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BLUE JACKETS ; 

OR, 

CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK. 



A NARRATIVE OF 



% #nllmti feplnite nf Srifelj §umm, 

AND OF 

THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN THE NAYAL SERVICE, 



CURING THE REIGN OP 



HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY 



QUEEN VICTORIA. 



W. H. a. KINGSTON, Esq. 





LONDON: 
GEANT AND GEIFFITH, 

(SUCCESSORS TO NEWBERY AND HARRIS,) 
CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD. 

1854. 









LONDON : PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET. 



P B E F A C E. 



The following pages will be found to contain accounts of 
a considerable number of the gallant actions performed 
by naval men since Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen 
Victoria came to the throne, rather than a complete 
naval history of her reign. 

My chief object, when designing the work, was to 
show that the present .Navy of Great Britain has, in no 
respects, degenerated from that of olden times, great 
and glorious as it was — that when opportunities have 
occurred, the Blue Jackets of to-day, both officers and 
men, have been found ready as ever to perform their 
duty — to dare and to do as was dared and done of yore ; 
that, in truth, they are worthy scions of the ancient 
race — 

TKUE CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK. 

The following accounts will, I think, also tend to 
prove that the British Navy is not kept up for mere 
pomp and parade, or for supporting in idleness any 
class of the community ; but that whenever hard blows 
have been exchanged, it has given and taken a fair share 
of them — that it has been ever actively employed in pro- 

a 2 



IV PREFACE. 

tecting British Colonies and British Commerce in all 
parts of the world — that through its means disputes have 
been settled, which could in no other way have been 
brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and might have 
plunged the nation in war — that it has ever been found 
engaged on the side of justice and humanity — that not 
only has it, on numberless occasions, preserved the lives 
and property of British subjects, but also the existence 
of thousands of human beings of all nations and creeds, 
and of every degree of civilization, who would, without 
its aid, have been doomed to destruction — that, by 
its exertions, British trade to China, South America, 
and many other parts of the world, has been immeasur- 
ably increased — that with much suffering and sacrifice of 
life it has, in the most pestiferous of climates, greatly 
decreased, and in some places suppressed, the nefarious 
slave-trade — that for the benefit of science and naviga- 
tion, it has explored the most distant regions, pene- 
trating to the icy poles as well as up the rivers of Africa 
— that it has surveyed a wide extent of coast, visited con- 
stantly by merchantmen, though, to their great peril, 
often before imperfectly known — that it has made the 
British name loved and respected in all lands — and that 
without a single exception, under circumstances the most 
difficult and trials the most appalling, it has ever been 
found willing and ready nobly to do its duty. 

Feeling sensibly the importance of a work of a cha- 
racter like the present, I can scarcely do it adequate 
justice ; and this arises from no want of zeal on my part, 
but from the difficulty of collecting from Naval men 



PKEFACE. V 

full accounts of the gallant deeds they have performed, 
their modesty often preventing them from giving their 
narratives with the desirable completeness. For this 
reason I have probably never heard of many brave acts 
performed by seamen ; and it will therefore be my pride, 
when accounts of them reach me, to chronicle them in . 
another edition of this book. 

I have for years past proposed to write this work, and 
opinions have often been expressed that I should not 
find matter sufficient to fill a volume if I confined myself 
to the events of Queen Victoria's reign ; I, on the con- 
trary, was sure that if I attempted to embrace a period 
before it, I should, from want of space, be unable to do 
adequate justice to a large portion of them. 

The list of the various exploits I have chronicled will 
show that I did not form my opinion without sufficient 
grounds ;* I have therefore described only those events 
which have occurred since Her Majesty came to the 
throne. I have chronicled deeds of daring performed 
by British seamen, as well by those in the Merchant 
Service as in the Royal Navy. I have mentioned all 
acts of gallantry which have come to my knowledge. I 

* I am much indebted to the kindness of Mr. Barrow for allowing 
me to look over the Naval Eecords in the Admiralty ; and, in case any 
doubt should arise as to the originality of the design of my work, he 
will, I am sure, gladly bear witness that my visits there for the object 
of collecting materials preceded by several months the appearance of a 
little book written by one of the clerks in his office, and bearing the 
very title which I then mentioned it was my intention to prefix to mine 
as a second title. I am bound, in justice to myself, to mention the 
circumstance; though as the events related were of past times, and 
often before written, I have no reason to complain of any injury 
inflicted on me. 



VI PEEFACE. 

consider the jumping overboard in a raging sea, in a 
hot tide-way, or in a place where sharks are known to 
abound, to be as noble an act as engaging in a fight with 
any enemy of superior force : I deem those hardy men 
who have braved the piercing cold and unknown dangers 
of the Polar Sea in search of their missing countrymen, 
Sir John Franklin and his brave companions, as much 
deserving of all the praise I can bestow as the con- 
querors of Acre or the captors of Canton. 

True bravery may be discovered and discipline may 
be conspicuous in the darkest night during the horrors of 
the storm — on the sinking wreck — on the barren sands 
of a desert island — on the unmanageable raft, amid sick- 
ness and famine, with a lowering and uncertain future 
ahead ; or they may shine with lustre among a crew 
ice-bound for long years, with hope deferred, on the snow- 
clad shores of the Polar Sea. 

Accounts have often before been published of the 
courage and discipline displayed by British seamen in 
the hour of trial and danger, of bloody battles fought, of 
victories gained ; but the gallant actors have in many 
instances passed from the world, or already belong to 
another generation. They form the brave Old Block 
of which it is the pride of the present race of British 
seamen to acknowledge themselves the worthy Chips : 
therefore I call my book — 

"Chips of the Old Block/' 

My satisfaction will be great indeed to find that it is 
read and approved of by all ranks of the naval service, 



especially if it tends to encourage that brave and noble 
spirit in the rising generation which has ever been the 
support and protection of our beloved country in times of 
trial and danger. Those times may return ; and sure I am 
that Britain may rely that the same spirit will be found 
to burn as brightly as of yore in the bosom of her ocean 
sons, and will again, with Heaven's aid, restore her to a 
state of peace and prosperity. But it is time to begin the 
work. I shall commence with an account of some of the 
principal naval occurrences which have taken place since 
the year 1837, when Her Majesty ascended the throne. 

The first event worthy of mention is the capture of 
Aden, at the mouth of the Red Sea, in January 1839 ; 
that, accordingly, though of much less interest and im- 
portance than many others, must stand first on my list. 
I propose to describe the causes which led to the occur- 
rences I narrate ; the scenery of the coasts, and character 
of the people engaged; and to give, when possible, 
sketches of the services of the officers employed, and any 
anecdotes of them and of their men which I can collect. 
Indeed, my aim is to make the book interesting and 
instructive to all classes of readers, as well as to tell them 
of the gallant deeds of our brave countrymen, many of 
whom, unable to speak for themselves, are engaged at 
this present moment, at the risk of life and health, in 
far-distant regions, in advocating the cause of humanity, 
and in supporting the honour and interest of Great 
Britain. 

Before I conclude my Preface, I must beg my readers, 
especially the younger ones, to watch, as they proceed 



Vlll PREFACE. 

with the narrative, the career of those whose names are 
mentioned. Many who appear as distinguishing them- 
selves as midshipmen, mates, or young lieutenants, on 
the coast of Syria and in China, will be found rising, by 
their gallantry and talents, to the higher ranks of the 
profession, still continuing in the same noble course in 
which they commenced — some of them as leaders in 
expeditions and exploits, which, increasing the glory of 
their country, must make them honoured and admired 
while Great Britain has a history in which their deeds 
can be chronicled. It would be invidious to particularize 
individuals ; and it is with much regret that I feel that, 
from the very nature of the work, I have been unable to 
render equal justice to all. I fully believe that very 
many gallant actions have not even been mentioned. 
My aim, it must be remembered, has been not so much 
to chronicle all the noble deeds achieved during the 
reign of our Gracious Sovereign, as to prove, by as 
many examples as I could collect, that her Navy has 
not been idle or useless during her reign, and that her 
officers and seamen are as bold and brave — as loyal 
and true — as were those of yore — that, as I before have 
said, her " Blue Jackets are true Chips of the Old 
Block." 



CONTENTS. 



CAPTURE OF ADEN, Jan. 19, 1839 - - - - - **i 

THE WAR IN SYRIA, 1840 7 

Causes of the War ------ 7 

Operations of the British Fleet before the commencement of 

hostilities - - - - - - 10 

Bombardment of Bey rout - - - - 13 

Captain Martin's attack on the Castle of D'Jebel - - 16 

Skirmish on the Kelbson (Dog River) - - - 18 

Capture of Sidon ------ 20 

Battle of Boharsof ------ 24 

Capture of Caiffa by Captain Collier, Sept. 17 - - 25 
Capture of Tyre, Sept. 24 - - - - -27 

Attack on Tortosa, Sept. 25 - - - - - 28 

Bombardment and capture of Acre, Nov. 3 - - - 31 

WAR IN CHINA ------- 39 

Narrative of events which led to the War - - - 39 
Commencement of the War. Action between H.M.S. 'Volage' 
and ' Hyacinth,' and a Squadron of Chinese War-junks, 

Nov. 3, 1839 ------ 43 

Arrival of British Squadron and Transports - - 45 

Proceedings of H.M.S. ' Blonde ' off Amoy, July 3, 1840 - 47 

Capture of Chusan - - - - - 49 

Captain Smith defeats Chinese at the Macao Barrier, Aug. 19, 

1840 ------- 55 

Capture of the Bogue Forts, Chuenpee and Tycocktow, Jan. 7, 

1841 -------57 

Capture of Chuenpee - - - - 58 

Capture of Tycocktow - - - - -60 

Destruction of War-junks in Anson's Bay, Jan. 7, 1841 - 61 
Boca Tigris Forts taken by Sir Gordon Bremer, Feb. 26 - 65 
Description of Anunghoy and Wantong - - - 66 
Destruction of War -junks in Whampoa Reach, Feb. 27 - - 69 
Capture of Masked Battery by Lieut. Symonds, R.N., Com- 
mander Belcher, H.M.S. ' Sulphur,' commanding, March 1 72 
Further advance of Squadron, and Capture of Howqua's Fort, 

March 5------- 73 

Capture of Macao Fort, March 13 . - 74 

Broadway Passage from Macao to Whampoa forced, March 14 - 75 

Capture of Forts of Canton and Chinese Flotilla, March 18, 1841 79 
Chinese attempt to destroy British Ships with Fire Rafts, 

May 21, 1841 ------ 82 

Capture of Canton, May 23 to 30 - - - - 84 



X CONTEXTS. 

Page 

Dashing Exploit in Boats tinder Captain Belcher - - 90 

Capture of Amoy, Aug. 26 - - . - - 93 

Recapture of Chusan ------ 100 

Exploits of the ' Nemesis ' ----- 102 

Capture of Chinghae, Oct. 10, 1841 - - - - 107 

Occupation of Xingpo, Oct. 12 112 
Capture of Chapoo - - - - - -117 

Capture of Woosung and Shanghai - - - - 119 

Capture of Chin-Keang-Foo, and Entry of Sir H. Pottinger into 

Nankin; with concluding Remarks; July 21, 1842 - 124 
Gallantry of Mr. H. F. M'Killop, Midshipman of H.M.S. 

'Belleisle,' June, 1842 - - - - - 134 

Courage of Mr. Turner, Mate of H.M.S. < Serpent,' Aug., 1842 134 

Seaman's Life saved^bv Lieut. R. C. Whyte, Jan., 1844 - 135 

Lieuts. Caldwell and Yansittart, R.X., Hong Kong, Dec, 1843 135 
The Life of the Hon. Frederick William Walpole saved by Mr. 

R. Dew, Mate of H.M.S. ' Collingwood,' at Callao, Aug. 20, 

1844 - - - - - - 136 

CAPTURE OF THE CARTHAGEXIAX FLEET, by Lieut, De 

Coukct, Feb., 1841 - 138 

SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO AND THE EASTERN 

ARCHIPELAGO - - - - - - - 141 

Sketch of Rajah Brooke ----- 141 

Capture of Piratical Prahus by Boats of ' Dido,' under Lieut. 

Horton, May 13, 1842 - - - - - 143 

Attack on the 'Jolly Bachelor' - 144 

Attack on Sarebus Pirates by Boats of H.M.S. ' Dido ' - - 146 

Attack on the Sakarran Pirates, Aug. 7, 1844 - - 151 

Memoir of Lieut. Wade - - - - - -158 

Memoir of Mr. George Steward - 161 

Destruction of Malludu, Aug. 19, 1845 - - 162 

Royal Marines employed - - - - - 165 

Capture of Brune, July 8, 1846 - - - - - 169 

Pursuit of the Sultan of Brune - - - 172 

Capture of Pirate Prahus, and Destruction of Pirate Strongholds 174 
Desperate attempt to escape made by a Pirate Crew - - 176 

Concluding Remarks on Borneo - - - -"178 

EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER, under Captain W. D. Trotter, 

1841 __--____ 179 

Objects of the Expedition - _ _ _ _ 179 

Commencement of the Yoyage - - - - - 182 

Ships enter the Niger - - - - - -184 

Expedition compelled to return ----- 188 

Second attempt to ascend the Niger - 194 

WARFARE ON THE RIYERS LA PLATA AND PARANA - 197 

Battle of the Parana, Not. 20, 1845 - - - 197 

Destruction of the ' Chacabuco ' - - - - - 204 

Engagements with the Batteries of San Lorenzo - - 206 

Gallant Exploit of Lieut. Mackinnon with his Rocket Battery 

against the Forts of San Lorenzo - 210 



CONTENTS. XI 

EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE, under Captain James 

Ross and Captain CrOzier, between the years 1839 and 1843 - 218 
'Erebus' ------- 218 

'Terror' --------219 

First year ------- 220 

Second year ------- 226 

Third year ------- 231 

WAR IN NEW ZEALAND, from 1845 to 1847 - - - 234 

ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. < NEMESIS,' ' COLUMBINE'S ' 

BOAT, AND BORNEO PIRATES, May 30, 1847 - - 240 

EXPEDITION TO SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA, under Captain G. 

G. Loch, R.N. - - - - - - - 243 

Capture of Fort Serapaqui, Feb. 21, 1848 243 

RECAPTURE OF THE BRIG 'THREE SISTERS' FROM THE 

RIFF PIRATES, by H.M.S. 'Polyphemus/ Commander J. 

M'Cleverty, 1848 - - - - - - - 248 

ACTION WITH THE RIFF PIRATES, by H.M. Steam Frigate 

' Janus,' Commander Powell, 1841 - 251 

DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE FLEET, by Commander Farquhar, 

July, 1849 -------- 253 

THE DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS, Dec. 26, 1851 - - 256 

Description of Lagos ------ 256 

First Expedition to Lagos, and Attack on the ' Bloodhound ' and 

Boats of the Squadron by the Followers of Kosoko - 260 

Second Attack on and Destruction of Lagos, Dec. 26, 1851 - 261 

THE WAR WITH BURMAH, 1851 - - - - 274 

Causes of the War - - - - - -274 

Commencement of Hostilities - - - - 278 

Capture of Martaban - - - - - -281 

Capture of Rangoon - - - - - - 282 

Capture of Bassein, May 19 - - - . _ 285 

Martaban Attacked by the Burmese, May 26 - - 286 
Capture of Pegu, June 4, 1852 ----- 286 

Expedition up the Irrawaddy, under Captain Tarleton, R.N., and 

Capture of Prome, July 9 - - - - 288 

Second Capture and Occupation of Prome - 290 

Capture of Pegu, Nov. 21, 1852 291 

Operations on the Irrawaddy - - - - -293 

Attacks on Mya Toon, the Robber Chieftain - - _ 295 

Career of the late Captain Loch, R.N. - 300 

SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS.— -Lives Preserved by 
Naval Men ------- 302 

Heroism of Lieut. Christopher, and Presence of Mind of James 

Miles ------__ 302 

Devoted Heroism and Courage of Messrs. Smith and Palmes, of 

H.M.S. ' Seringapatam,' 1838 - 307 

A Second Act of Gallantry recorded of Mr. W. R. Smith - 313 



CONTENTS. 

Page 

Account of Rescue of Boat's Crew of H.M.S. 'Wolverine,' by- 
Lieut. Arthur Burrard Kingston, R.N., Jan. 16, 1840; 
also, of his Saving the Life of a Boy of H.M.S. ' Saracen,' 
March 13, 1840 ------ 314 

Boy's Lite saved by Lieut. A. B. Kingston - - - 326 

Captain Tucker's Certificate of Lieut. A. B. Kingston's conduct 327 
Rescue of Crew of ' Minerva ' by Mr. Slater, Second Master of 

H.M. Mail-packet * Widgeon,' off Calais, March 10, 1842 - 329 
Mr. Henry Shea, Assistant Surgeon, R.N., Mediterranean, July, 

1837 ------- 332 

Lieut. F. H. Stevens, R.N., Mediterranean, Aug., 1837 - 332 

Lieut. John Stephens, R.N., Lisbon, Dec , 1837 - - 332 

William Jennings, Coast-guard Boatman, Nov., 1838 - - 332 

Henry Johnson, Seaman, England, June, 1839 - - 333 

Instance of Courage and Humanity - 333 

Arthur Hassett, Boatman, Coast-guard, Cove of Cork, Oct., 1839 334 
Commander Aldridge, R.N., Vasika Bay, Oct., 1839 - 334 

Mr. Richards, R.N. , off Brighton, June, 1842 - - - 335 

Abi-aham Hart Youngs, Chief Boatman of FishergateTStation, 

Jan., 1843 - - - - - T _ 335 

James Doran, Seaman, Jan., 1843 - 336 

Mr. Thomas Davis, Mate, R.N., and Joseph Braithwaite, Sea- 
man, R.N., Bantry Bay, Jan., 1844 - - - 336 
Mr. W. C. Geary, Mate, R.N., Gulf of Egeria, Aug., 1844 - 336 
Lieut. F. P. Warren, R.N., in Madras Roads, June, 1845 - 337 
Lieut. William E. Fisher, R.N., Cove of Cork, Nov., 1845 - 337 
Lieut. Henry W. Hire, R.N., Mediterranean, Dec, 1845 - 338 
Commander Wooldridge and Mr. Birtwhistle, Mate, R.N., Sheer- 

ness, June, 1845 ----- 338 

Lieut. Newman, R.N,, and Boat's Crew, Coast-guard, Dungeness, 

Jan., 1846 - - - - - - - 339 

Mr. F. S. Gibson, R.N., Grand Bassa, Africa, Jan., 1846 - 339 

Lieut. Tatham, R.N., Chatham, April, 1846 - - - 340 

Commander J. W. Finch, R.N., Portsmouth, July, 1846 - 340 

Mr. Charles E. H. Farrant, Master's Assistant, R.N., Valparaiso, 

Sept., 1848 - - - - - - - 341 

Lieut, bherard Osborne, R.N., Portsmouth, Sept., 1848 - 341 

Henry Laughrin, Boatswain's Mate, H.M.S- ' Calliope,' Rio de ^ 
Janeiro, Nov., 1848 ------ 342 

John Huggins, Quarter-master of H.M.S. 'Scourge,' Trinidad, 

&c, Feb., 1849 ------ 342 

Commander J. W. Tarleton, R.N., Genoa, March, 1849 - 343 

Commander Oliver Jones, R.N., Cove of Cork and Halifax Har- 
bour, March, 1849 - - - 343 
Lieut. C. S. Stanhope, R.N., H.M.S. ' Asia,' at Sea, Aug., 1850 344 
Mr. T. H. Julian, Second Master, R.N., Plymouth, July, 1851 344 
Lieut. Saumarez, R.N., H.M.S. ' Volcano,' off Sierra Leone, 

Africa, March, 1851 - - - - - - 345 

Charles Loxton, Sailmaker's Mate, H.M.B, ' Rolla,' Dover, 

Aug., 1851 -_-___ 345 

Mr. Skead, Second Master, and Mr. Lambe, Midshipman, R.N., 

of H.M.S, 'Trafalgar,' off Malta, 1852 - - - 346 



CONTENTS. Xlll 

Page 
Mr. Ward, Boatswain, E.N., H.M.S. l Gladiator,' Africa, 1851 346 
Commander Alan H. Gardner, H.M.S. * Waterwitch,' Africa, 

1851 ------- 347 

Lieut. Pyne, R.N., H.M. S. < Prince Regent,' Lisbon, Dec, 1851 347 
Mr. Sullivan, Midshipman of H.M.S. < Megaera,' at Sea, 1852 - 348 
Commander Tarleton, H.M.S. 'Fox,' Rangoon, 1852 - 348 

ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS IN VARIOUS 

PARTS OF THE WORLD - - - - - 349 

Attack on Tamatave, Madagascar, 1845 - 349 

Lieut. F. J. D'Aguilar defeats an attempt to Retake a Prize 

captured by H.M.S. < Grecian,' Brazil, 1848 - - 351 

Destruction of a Chinese Pirate Fleet by H.M.S. ' Columbine ' 

and ' Fury,' and Steamer • Canton,' China, 1849 - 352 

Destruction of Pirates by H.M.S. < Medea,' China, March, 1850 - 353 

Commander Hay destroys Pirate Fleet, China, Oct., 1850 - 354 

Destruction of a Slave Establishment in the Mozambique Chan- 
nel, by H.M.S. * Castor' and ' Dee,' Mozambique, 1850 - 355 

Capture of the Brazilian Steam-brig ' Paquete da Santos,' late 
' Providencia' by H.M.S. ' Rifleman,' Lieut. Commander 
Crofton, Brazil, 1850 - - - - - 356 

Capture of four noted Slavers by H.M.S. ' Cormorant,' Com- 
mander Herbert Schomberg, on the Coast of Brazil, America, 
1850 ------- 357 

Capture of the ' Venus ' Slaver, off the Havannah, by H.M.S. 

< Vestal,' Captain Hamilton, 1852 - - - - 361 

Capture of the ' Polka' Slaver by H.M.S. ' Sharpshooter,' Lieut.- 

Commander Bailey, on the Coast of Brazil - - 362 

THE AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE - - - - 365 

Nature of the Service - - - - - 365 

Description of Slave Barracoons ----- 373 

Description of an Empty Slaver - 374 

Description of a Slaver with Cargo on board - - - 375 

Chases and Captures of Slavers by H.M.S. * Bonetta,' on the 

African Coast - - - - - - 376 

Slave-schooner run down - - - - 377 

Brazilian Slave-brig Captured _ _ - 377 

Brazilian Slaver Destroyed - - - _ 378 

Slave-schooner Captured - - - - 378 

Capture of the ' Catherine' Slaver by H.M.S. ' Dolphin,' Captain 

R. H. Dundas, 1839 - - - - - 381 

Capture of Brazilian Slaver 'Firme' by the Boats of H.M.S. 
' Dolphin,' Lieut. Littlehales, Acting-Commander ; under 
the command of Mr. Augustus Charles Murray, Mate, and 
Mr. John F. Rees, Second Master, 1841 - - 382 

Voyage of the ' Dores,' a Slaver, captured by H.M.S. ' Dolphin,' 
from Accra to Sierra Leone, under command of Lieut. Au- 
gustus C. Murray, from Aug. 12, 1840, to Jan. 5, 1841 - 383 
Capture of the ' Josephine ' Slaver, Africa - - - 388 

Capture of an Armed Slaver by a Four-oared Gig. under com- 
mand of Mr. Tottenham, Mate, 1844 - - - 388 






XIV . CONTENTS. 

Page 
Lieut. Lodwick's (in the ' Growler's ' Pinnace) gallant Attack on 

a Slaver, 1845 ------ 390 

Capture of the ' Felicidade ' and 'Echo' Slavers by H.M.S. 

' Wasp,' and Eecapture of ' Felicidade ' by H.M.S. ' Star,' 

1845- - - - - - - 391 

Capture of a Slaver by H.M.S. * Pantaloon/ Africa, 1845 - 393 

Lieut. Mansfield and Prize Crew — Defence of the ' Eomeo Pri- 

mero,' against an Attempt at Eecapture, Africa, 1847 - 394 
Eescue of Slaves in the Eiver Pongos by Commander H. Dunlop, 

H.M.S. 'Alert,' Africa, 1849 396 

Capture of a Slaver by H.M.S. ' Phoenix,' Commander Wode- 

house, Africa, 1850 - - - - - - 399 

Capture of the Slaver ' Anne D. Eichardson ' by H.M. Steam- 
frigate ' Pluto,' Commander Joliffe, 1850 - - 400 
Encounter with Black Pirates, Africa, 1850 - 402 
Skirmish on the Congo Eiver, Africa, 1852 - - - 403 
Attack on Medina, Sierra Leone Eiver, by H.M.S. ' Teazer/ 

Lieut. Eich, and 'Linnet's' Boats, Africa, 1853 - - 404 

Capture of Slavers in the Eio Pongos by the Boats of H.M.S. 

' Linnet,' Commander H. Need - - - 405 

Destruction of Barracoons by Commander J. Strange, Africa, 1851 406 
Memoir of Captain William Tucker, E.N., 1842 - - 410 

Loss of H.M.S. ' Avenger ' ----- 412 

Memoir of Captain Napier - - - - - 413 

Wreck of a Man-of-war's Boat, China, 1841 - - 415 

Wreck of a Boat of H.M.S. ' Ganges '—Death of Lieut. Breen, 

Mediterranean, 1850 ----- 417 

NOETH POLAE EXPEDITIONS 418 

Appointment of Officers - - - - - -421 

'Erebus' ------ 421 

'Terror' ------ 422 

« Enterprise,' 540 tons - 423, 425 

' Investigator, 480 tons - - _ 424, 425 

'Eesolute' ------ 426 

* Assistance '----_- 427 
' Pioneer ' (Screw-steamer) - - - 427 

* Intrepid ' (Screw-steamer) - - - - 427 



BLUE JACKETS; 

OR, 

CHIPS OF THE OLD BLOCK. 



CAPTTTBE OP ADEN, 

19th. January 1839. 

At the entrance of the Bed Sea, on the coast of Asia, and 
the southernmost point of Arabia Eelix, is situated the town 
of Aden. It lies eastward of the Straits of Babel Mandel, and 
immediately opposite the coast of Berbera, in Africa, from 
which it is divided by the Sea of Aden. 

Cape Aden is a high, rocky promontory, consisting of 
several peaks, the most elevated of which is 1,776 feet above 
- the level of the sea. They have ruined forts and watch-towers 
on their summits, which give them the appearance of turrets. 
Erom a distance this lofty headland looks like an island, and 
its position is in a degree similar to that of Gibraltar, being 
connected with the mainland by a piece of low ground, 
which in some places is a swamp. Its aspect is grand and 
picturesque, though extremely barren and wild, and utterly 
destitute of vegetation. 

The town lies on the east side of this cape, about five miles 
from the landing-place and anchorage, and is situated in a 
sort of amphitheatre, surrounded on three sides by lofty 
hills, and open to the sea on the fourth. To the west of the 

B 



2 CAPTURE OF ADEN. 

promontory is a fine bay with a sandy beach, where good 
water is to be procured. 

On the western side is a range of rocks extending out 
nearly as far south as the Hill of Aden itself. The tops of 
these are singularly broken, and rise into Gothic spires in 
several parts. Two of them have got the name of the Ass's 
Ears. At a short distance from the Eock of Aden is a small 
island, formerly covered with fortifications like the hill-forts 
in India. Strong fortifications defend the anchorage, and 
command the entrance of the bay, which is quite land-locked. 
The road to the town follows the sea-shore for about two 
miles, with high crags on one side, and rocks rising out of 
the water on the other. An ascent then leads to an aperture 
in the hills, called the Pass, which is narrow and winding, 
and enclosed on either side by rocks ; and at length the 
town is approached by a steep declivity. 

The commanding position of Aden rendered it a place of 
great importance when the chief communication between 
Europe and India was by the way of the Bed Sea, before the 
discovery of the passage round the Cape. 

Eor centuries the Eed Sea passage was neglected, till lately 
resumed under the name of the Overland Route. During the 
reign of Constantine, Aden was an opulent city, and formed 
one of the great emporia of the commerce of the East. As 
a trading port it possesses great advantages over Mocha, as 
its harbours may be entered or quitted at any period of the 
year : the coffee districts are nearer to it than to Mocha ; 
many large towns in Yemen are within an easy journey of it ; 
the mountains to the north produce gum, frankincense, and 
coffee ; and drugs, gums, perfumes, spices, honey, and wax 
are collected in the neighbourhood. 

As, also, it is directly north of Berbera, vessels, during the 
north-east monsoon, can reach it with the produce of Africa 
in 24 hours, and return with equal speed, with English and 
Indian manufactures. British goods can thus be introduced 
into Africa in exchange for coffee, gums, myrrh, hides, 
elephants' teeth, gold dust, ostrich feathers, &c. 



CAPTURE OF ADEN. 3 

Arabs form the largest number of the population of Aden; 
though Jews, Banians from Cutch, and Soomalies, natives of 
Berbera, who are Mahometans, are found among them. 

Aden, after remaining for many centuries in the power of 
the Arabs, was, in 1539, seized by the Turks, under Suli- 
maun Pasha. 

The Portuguese, in 1513, were twice defeated in attempts 
to capture it, at which time the fortifications were of con- 
siderable strength. As the power of the Turks declined, the 
Arabs threw off their yoke, and placed it under the ride of 
a native prince, under the title of the Sultan of Aden. 

It had by this time sadly declined ; its trade had departed, 
the number of its inhabitants had diminished, and its chief 
buildings were little better than heaps of ruins, though some 
of its fortifications were still formidable. 

Successive Sultans of Aden had been very friendly with 
the English. In 1838 Aden was given up to the British 
Government by treaty, by the then Sultan. Captain Haines, 
of the Indian Navy, was sent there as political agent, to see 
the articles of the treaty faithfully carried out. The Sultan, 
however, had in the meantime changed his mind, and refused 
to fulfil his agreement. 

Now, Ave have seen that the possession of the place was 
very important to the political and commercial interests of 
Great Britain, and it therefore became necessary to compel 
the Arab chief to keep to the terms of the treaty he had 
entered into. 

To effect this object, Rear- Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland, 
who was at that time Commander-in-Chief on the East India 
Station, despatched from the squadron Her Majesty's ships 
' Volage,' Captain H, Smith, who commanded the expedition, 
and the ' Cruiser,' accompanied by the ' Coote ' corvette, and 
the ' Mahe ' schooner, of the Indian Navy, while a body of 
troops were sent in transports under the command of Major 
Baillie. 

The ' Yolage ' anchored on the 16th of January, and the 
same evening Captain Smith received a letter from Captain 

u2 



4 CAPTURE OF ADEX. 

Haines, the political agent, informing him that all negotia- 
tion on his part had failed, and that hostilities mnst forth- 
with commence. On this he communicated with Major 
Baillie, the commander of the troops, and they resolved to 
lose no time in attacking the place. The town was defended 
by about 1,000 Arabs, armed with matchlocks, and 24 
brass and iron guns placed in various batteries, some of the 
guns being mounted on a strong tower in the island of 
Seerah, and others in a lower battery, while a brass 68- 
pounder commanded the chief landing-place. 

Prom the attitude assumed by the Sultan and his Arab 
followers, they appeared resolved to defend the town with 
determined courage and resolution, and to give occasion for 
some severe fighting before they, were likely to yield. 

The 17th was spent in drawing up the plan of the attack, 
and in making the necessary preparations, and Captain 
Haines having come off, and acting as pilot, the 'Yolage' 
weighed with the rest of the squadron to proceed to the front 
of the town, the ' Cruiser ' towing a mortar-boat. 

On standing in towards the island of Seerah, a fire was 
opened on the ' Yolage' with musketry and several large guns, 
when she fired in return for a short time, but the * Coote' 
corvette and transports not having come up, she hauled off 
and anchored for the night. 

On the morning of the 19th, the whole force having 
arrived, Captain Smith made the signal to prepare to attack, 
and the troops to be held in readiness for landing in two 
divisions. At half-past nine o'clock, the ' Yolage' anchored 
with a spring on her bower cable, in four fathoms water, at 
about 300 yards distance from the lower battery on the 
island of Seerah ; at the same time the ' IMahe' took up her 
position to the southward of the island. On standing in, the 
enemy opened a fire of great guns and musketry on the ships, 
but from the 'Yolage' being laid so close to the shore, the guns 
on the height were rendered useless, their shot passing over 
her. At ten o'clock, the ' Cruiser' anchored, and by her fire 
destroyed the flank of the battery. During this period a 



CAPTURE OF ADE2s T . 5 

heavy firing was kept up from the shore, but in a short time 
two of the guns in the lower battery were dismounted, and' 
most of the people were driven from the remainder, they 
however took shelter behind the ruins of the battery, and 
kept up an incessant fire of musketry on the ships, and 
although the lower battery was almost knocked to pieces, 
the assailants had great difficulty in dislodging them. 

At this period Captain Smith directed the fire to be opened 
on the round towers and batteries on the heights, which were 
filled with men armed with matchlocks, and in the course of 
one hour, this tower which was eighty feet high, and strongly 
built, was a mass of ruins. 

At eleven o'clock the ' Coote' anchored, with the second 
division of the troops, to the southward of the island, and 
opened her fire upon the town. The fire not having yet 
ceased from the tower battery, the 'Mahe' schooner was 
directed to proceed to the end of it, and endeavour to drive 
out the men from behind it by musketry. This service was 
performed by her commander, Lieutenant Daniels, in a most 
gallant manner ; but during the action, Mr. Nesbitt, a mid- 
shipman on board, was severely wounded. 

The firing having now almost totally ceased, Captain 
Smith gave directions for the boats of both divisions to land. 
Lieutenant Dobree, who had charge of the first division, 
Mr. Bundle, mate, and a quarter-master of the ' Volage' were 
the first on shore, and made for the brass 68-pounder, which 
had several times been fired at the ship. On their way, a 
matchlock was discharged at the quarter-master by a man 
behind the gun. The Arab was immediately cut down by 
him, and the first British flag was planted by Mr. Bundle. 
So completely were the enemy driven from all points (with 
the exception of the island) by the fire of the ships, that the 
whole of the troops landed with the loss only of two men 
killed and three wounded. 

A partial firing was still kept up from the island, when 
Captain Smith directed Lieutenant Dobree, who had just 
returned, and two mates, with a party of seamen, and Lieu- 
tenant Ayles, with the marines, amounting altogether to fifty, 



6 CAPTURE OF ADE]S T . 

to land and take possession of it. This was gallantly accom- 
plished, the party ascending the height, spiking and dis- 
mounting the gnns, taking the flag which had "been flying 
from the tower, and making prisoners of 139 armed Arabs, 
who were conducted from the island to the mainland by the 
party, and given over into the charge of Major Osborne. 

"While the military were attempting to disarm the prisoners, 
they made a sudden and most formidable resistance with their 
daggers : and before they were overcome, several men were 
lost on both sides. All opposition having at length ceased, 
Aden was taken possession of by the British forces. Mr. 
!Nesbitt was the only person hurt on board the squadron, 
and of the military, sixteen were killed and wounded. 

The Arabs appeared to have had more confidence in their 
matchlocks than in their great guns, which they served 
badly and fired irregularly. Had it not been, however, for 
the total destruction of their defences by the squadron, the 
troops would probably not have accomplished their landing 
without a very severe loss. Of the defenders, a great pro- 
portion were killed and wounded. Twenty-five dead bodies 
were found on the island of Seerah alone, several in the town, 
and twenty-five were lying wounded in the Mosque, among 
whom was the Sultan's nephew, who defended the island. 
Thirty-three brass and iron guns of various sizes were cap- 
tured, and a large quantity of ammunition and matchlocks. 
Among the guns were three large brass Turkish pieces, which, 
at the desire of the victors, were sent to be presented to Her 
Majesty, as the first warlike trophy taken during her reign. 
Several attempts have since been made by the Arabs to re- 
gain Aden, but without success ; though, in consequence of 
their hostility, the garrison are compelled to be ever vigilant, 
and the English cannot, without great risk, visit the interior 
of the country. 

The ' Yolage' having performed this duty, returned to the 
East Indies, and we hear of her soon afterwards in the China 
seas, engaged in a severe action with a squadron of Chinese 
war-junks ; an account of which will be given when we come 
to narrate the war in China. 



( 7 ) 



THE ¥AE IN SYRIA, 1840. 



CAUSES OF THE WAK. 

Is order to explain the cause of the war in Syria, it is 
necessary to give a short sketch of the political relations of 
the Turkish empire and the Pachalic of Egypt, as also of 
the reasons which induced the great European powers to 
interfere in the affairs of the East. The Sultan of Turkey 
claimed to hold sway over the whole of Syria and Egypt, and 
appointed Pachas to govern them in his name. One of the 
most remarkable men of his day was Mehemet Ali. Erom 
a low origin, having become a soldier, he raised himself by 
his talents and intrigues to a high command in the army of 
the Sultan, and afterwards, being sent to Egypt, he deposed 
the Pacha of that province and slipped into his shoes. 
Though much in advance of his countrymen, he was unscru- 
pulous as to the means he used to strengthen his power. 
Einding the Mamelukes, who had much assisted him in ob- 
taining his Pachalic, very troublesome, he invited them, to 
the number of nearly five hundred, to a feast in the citadel 
of Cairo, where he had them all massacred with the excep- 
tion of one chief, who leaped his horse over a high wall and 
escaped. 

The Turkish empire has for many years been gradually 
decaying, and Russia, Austria, Erance, and England, it is 
supposed, look with longing eyes each to obtain a portion of 
it when it finally falls to pieces ; but as each of these great 
powers are jealous that one should possess a bit of more 
value than the rest, they are all interested in maintaining 
what is called the integrity of the Ottoman Empire. Russia 



8 THE WAR IN" SYRIA. 

especially lias resolved to make herself mistress of Constan- 
tinople, and waits only a plausible excuse for sending an 
army to take possession of that city; the other powers, 
therefore, though they have no objection to prevent Turkey 
from ever regaining sufficient strength to do harm, will not 
allow her, if they can help it, to be so weakened that she 
may fall an unresisting victim into the hands of Russia, or, 
on the other hand, be conquered by any of the tribes to the 
south. Now, Mehemet Ali having consolidated his power 
in Egypt, and made himself perfectly independent of the 
Ottoman empire, began to consider the possibility of rising 
a step higher, and mounting the throne of the Caliphs. To 
effect this object, which was doubtless his aim, he assembled 
a large army, which he disciplined under European officers, 
and at the head of it placed his son Ibrahim Pacha, and sent 
him into Syria. 

The Porte, from its weakness, had allowed many of the 
Pachas in Syria to become almost independent of it ; and, 
therefore, hoping that they and Mehemet Ali would weaken 
each other's power by the contest, did not at first complain 
of Ibrahim's advance into the country : when, however, he 
had made himself master of St. Jean d'Acre and other 
places, the Turks assembled an army to oppose him. This 
army he speedily drove before him, and a still larger one 
having been collected, he finally defeated and dispersed it at 
the battle of Koniyeh, where the Grand Vizier himself was 
taken prisoner. Had Ibrahim at once advanced, he might 
have captured Constantinople ; but he delayed till the Rus- 
sians, called in by the Sultan for his protection, had reached 
the Bosphorus, and with them he had no wish to try the 
fortune of war ; he, therefore, entered into a treaty, by 
which, in addition to Egypt, he and his father obtained the 
government of the whole of Syria and the Pachalic of 
Adana. Instead, however, of ruling the new provinces he 
had obtained, wisely and well, Mehemet Ali taxed the people 
to the very utmost, and made them hate his rule as much as 
they had done that of the Turks. Several revolts conse- 



CAUSES OF THE WAR. 9 

quently took place, and the Sultan likewise, who had never 
ceased to long for the recovery of Syria, at length sent an 
army to drive out the Egyptians. At this juncture of affairs, 
England, Erance, and Austria thought it for their interests 
to interfere. Had the Turks been defeated, as would probably 
otherwise have again been the case, Constantinople would 
have been occupied by the Russians, to prevent it falling 
into the hands of Mehemet Ali, and the Russians, having once 
grasped the rich jewel they so naturally covet, would never 
have consented to give it up. 

The Ottoman forces continued to advance till they were 
met by the Egyptians near Nezib, on the 24th of June, when, 
after a sanguinary contest of four hours, the former were 
completely routed, 6,000 men being killed or wounded, and 
10,000 left in the hands of Ibrahim. The Sultan Mahmoud 
the Second died on the 1st of July, without hearing of this 
disaster, and was succeeded by his son Abdul Medjid, a youth 
of seventeen. 

To add to the difficulties of the Turks, their fleet, under 
the command of the Capudan Pacha, who had been sent to 
the Dardanelles, sailed for Alexandria, and joined that of the 
Egyptians. 

The excuse the Capudan Pacha made for his desertion 
was, that he had no confidence in Kosrew Pacha, the new 
Grand Yizier, and that he believed he had murdered the 
Sultan. 

There can be no doubt that the Erench had secretly en- 
couraged Mehemet Ali in his aggressive proceedings, and in 
consequence of this, the other four powers, England, Prussia, 
Austria, and Russia, entered into an agreement without con- 
sulting Erance, to put a stop to his career of conquest, and 
to compel him to withdraw his army into Egypt ; Russia, 
on her part, undertaking not to send an armed force to Con- 
stantinople. The following ultimatum was offered to him. 
He was to have the hereditary sovereignty of Egypt, and 
the possession of the Pachalic of St. Jean d'Acre for life. 
If within ten days from the notification of these terms the 



10 THE WAR IX SYRIA. 

Pacha should not accept them, the Sultan was to offer him 
Egypt alone, and if he still persisted in refusing, the four 
Powers were to compel him by force to assent to the pro- 
posed settlement. 

In spite of the threats held out, Mehemet Ali refused to 
accede to the proposed terms, and made every preparation 
in his power for resistance. In consequence the four 
Powers resolved that the ports of Syria and Egypt should 
be declared to be in a state of blockade, and a large British 
fleet, under the command of Admiral Stopford, with some 
Austrian and Turkish ships, were sent to enforce it. 



OPERATIONS OF THE BRITISH FLEET BEFORE THE 
COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. 

"We at length come to the more legitimate part of our nar- 
rative, the naval occurrences of the war ; and yet, without the 
preceding sketch of the circumstances which led to it, the 
object would be perfectly incomprehensible. As soon as it 
was settled that work was to be done, the Admiralty ordered 
Captain Charles Napier, of the ' Powerful,'* to hoist a broad 
blue pennant, and to take under his command the ' Granges,' 
' Thunderer,' 'Edinburgh,' ' Castor,' and 'Gorgon.' At this 
time it was expected that, at any moment, a war with Prance 
might break out, and the officers of the British squadron were 
cautioned to be on their guard against surprise. It was, al- 
together, the most exciting period as far as the British fleet 

* When Captain Napier was fitting out the ' Powerful' at Portsmouth, 
he had the following characteristic announcement placarded on the 
walls : — 

" Wanted active seamen fur the ' Powerful ' — Captain Napier. 

" The ' Powerful ' is a fine ship, and in the event of a war will not fail 
to take her own part." 

The ' Powerful ' was not long in shipping a fine crew. 



OPERATIONS OF THE BRITISH FLEET. 11 

iii the Mediterranean was concerned, since the last war. It 
will not be necessary to describe minutely the movements of 
the various ships till the commencement of hostilities. In 
addition to the English and Austrian squadrons, the Porte 
had managed to fit out a small fleet, through the exertions 
of Captain "Walker, of the British Navy (now Sir Baldwin 
"Walker), and he was placed in command of it with the rank 
of Admiral. A fleet of transports was also got ready, on 
board which embarked 5,373 troops under the orders of 
Selim Pacha, who was directed to co-operate with the British 
forces. Commodore Napier employed the time while nego- 
tiations were going on, in examining Beyrout and various 
other places on the coast of Syria, which, it was probable, 
would be the future scene of operations. 

The consuls of the four powers, at Alexandria, having 
presented the ultimatum of their Governments to Mehemet 
Ali, requiring his final decision in twenty days, he replied, 
that the territories he had won with the sword he would 
defend with the sword, and that he should give them the 
same answer if they came again at the end of the time they 
mentioned. This he did not fail to do ; so they hauled down 
their flags, and took their departure. The first act of hosti- 
lity on the part of the British was the [detention of some 
Egyptian ships loaded with provisions and warlike stores for 
the army in Syria, and also of an Egyptian frigate, bound 
to Scanderoon, with stores. Sir Robert Stopford was, mean- 
time, blockading the port of Alexandria with three ships of 
the line, a frigate, and two steamers of the English fleet, and 
two Austrian frigates, and a schooner. 

Oar narrative of active operations must commence on 
the 12th of August, when Commodore Napier's squadron 
anchored off Beyrout. This was during the twenty days al- 
lowed to Mehemet Ali to accept or refuse the treaty of the 
15th July. Beyrout is a small town, surrounded by a wall 
surmounted with ruinous turrets, and mounting but few 
guns. The arms, ammunition, and provisions were stored 
in two weak castles. About a mile and a half from the 



12 THE WAR W SYRIA. 

town, on a point of land, stands the quarantine establish- 
ment, surrounded by a high wall, and here was encamped 
a body of 4,000 Turkish troops, who, it was understood, 
were anxious to return to their allegiance to the Sultan. 
There was a second camp, a little removed from the first, 
and at a still greater distance up the country, were quar- 
tered the Egyptian and Albanian troops. 

The Commodore having drawn up a proclamation, calling 
on the Syrians to return to their allegiance to the Sultan, 
sent it on shore to the Turkish camp, by Lieutenant Eitz- 
James — a service of considerable danger. He, however, suc- 
ceeded in delivering copies of the proclamation to some of 
the officers, and in returning in safety to his ship ; but it is 
doubtful whether they were ever read to the troops — at all 
events, no attention w r as paid them. 

On the 14th the squadron weighed, and stood close into 
the town, the ' Powerful ' anchoring within 300 yards of 
one castle ; the ' Edinburgh,' about the same distance from 
another; the ' Ganges,' close into the bay, with her broadside 
bearing between the two camps, so as to command the 
Turkish camp to the south; the ' Thunderer' off the point, 
and the ' Castor' in the bay round it. Captain Reynolds, 
of the ' Granges,' was ordered to prevent, if possible, the 
Turkish troops from returning, but not to fire till it became 
absolutely necessary ; while none of the other ships were to 
commence hostilities without a signal from the Commodore. 

Captain Napier's object in this demonstration was to in- 
duce the Egyptians to restore their arms to the mountaineers 
of Lebanon, and to protect the Turkish troops. Neither 
object was accomplished ; and the Turkish troops were 
marched out at night from the quarantine station, by a gate 
which had not been observed. 

Commodore Napier, having shifted his pennant to the 
' G-orgon' steamer, examined the Syrian coast, to select a good 
landing-place, then ran over to Cyprus to communicate with 
Admiral "Walker, and returning, reconnoitred St. Jean d' Acre 
and Tyre, and went back to Beyrout, 



BOMBARDMENT OF BEYROUT. 13 

At this time Suliman Pacha, the chief of the Egyptian 
forces, occupied Beyrout with about 15,000 men. Ibrahim 
and Osman were at Balbeck with 10,000 more ; the garrison 
of Sidon consisted of 3,000 ; that stationed in Tripoli and 
its neighbourhood of 5,000 ; while the rest of the Egyptian 
army, numbering some 40,000 to 50,000, were scattered 
through various parts of Syria, 

On the 9th of September, the ' Princess Charlotte' arrived 
off Beyrout with the flag of Sir JRobert Stopford, and on the 
same day the Austrian squadron, under Admiral Bandeira, 
and the Turkish fleet and transports under Admiral Walker, 
arrived. Admiral Stopford was Commander-in-Chief of the 
land as well as the sea forces of the Allies ; and in con- 
sequence of the illness of Lieutenant- Colonel Sir Charles 
Smith, who had arrived in the ' Pique,' to take the direction 
of the military affairs, the Admiral placed the command of the 
troops under Sir Charles Napier, who has on many occasions 
shown himself as well able to defeat his enemies on shore as 
at sea. Preparations were immediately made for bombard- 
ing and taking the town and fortress of Beyrout. 



BOMBARDMENT OF BEYROUT. 

The British force at this time consisted of the following 
ships : — The ' Princess Charlotte,' 110 flag-ship ; ' Powerful,' 
84, Commodore Napier ; ' Granges,' 84 ; ' Bellerophon,' 80 ; 
' Thunderer,' 84 ; ' Benbow,' 74 ; ' Edinburgh,' 76 ; ' Eevenge,' 
76 ; ' Hastings,' 74 ; ' Castor,' 36 ; ' Pique,' 36 ; ' Carysfort,' 
26 ; ' Zebra,' 16 ; and four steamers. 

The Turkish squadron under Admiral Walker consisted 
of one line-of-battle ship, three 50-gun frigates, two corvettes, 
and one brig. There were also two Austrian frigates and 
one corvette. 

On the evening of the 9th, the Turkish troops and ma- 



14 THE WAR IN SYRIA. 

rices were moved into the steam-boats, which the following 
morning proceeded off Beyront Point to draw the enemy's 
troops in that direction. At 10 the ' Powerful,' ' Pique,' 
' Castor,' ' Carysfort,' 'Daphne,' and 'Wasp,' with Admiral 
Walker in a Turkish line-of-battle ship, a frigate, and cor- 
vette, weighed and stood towards D' Jounie. . While the ' Cas- 
tor ' and one steamer anchored off Nahr-el-Kelb, and landed a 
Turkish battalion to keep the Egyptians in check, the rest 
of the squadron anchored off D'Jounie, where the whole of 
the troops under the judicious arrangements of Admiral 
Walker and Captain Reynolds were landed by four o'clock. 
The heights were forthwith occupied by the troops ; and the 
Commodore's head-quarters were established in a Maronite 
chapel, which had a gun placed in it, and was otherwise 
fortified. A couple of companies of marines, under Captain 
Childs, were sent to reinforce the Turks at Kahr-el-Kelb, 
and a battalion was posted in the village of Zug, about a 
league distant from the camp. Beyond them a couple of 
battalions of Turks occupied a strong position, having their 
left flank protected by an impassable gorge. After the troops 
were landed, the ships and steamers took up positions to pro- 
tect the flanks of the camp, should it be attacked. Admiral 
Stopford, with the ' Princess Charlotte,' ' Bellerophon,' 
'Granges,' 'Thunderer,' 'Edinburgh,' 'Hastings,' 'Benbow,'and 
the Austrian squadron, remained at Beyrout, which, though 
they cannonaded it for several days, still held out. The ' Zebra' 
and the Austrian frigate ' Guerriera ' covered the bridge near 
the quarantine ground, and the ' Revenge ' was stationed in 
the bay between it and the Dog River to harass the enemy, 
and give timely notice at head-quarters should they advance. 
The first day the inhabitants who had been driven into the 
mountains came in slowly for arms ; but the few who did so 
accepted them eagerly and returned to the mountains to 
drive away the Emir Bechir's troops and open the mountain 
passes. This being done the sheiks and their mountaineer 
followers crowded in numbers under the standard of the 
Sultan. 



BOMBARDMENT OF BEYROUT. 15 

The Commodore having entrenched his position, pnshed 
forward his troops, and himself led an expedition a consider- 
able distance to reconnoitre the position of the Egyptian 
General Osman at Meronba. 

"While the cannonading was going on at Beyrout, the 
Indian Mail arrived ; and Suliman Pacha, the Governor, 
to show his courtesy and forbearance, hoisted a flag of truce, 
and delivered the mail, with a polite message, assuring the 
British that all letters to and from India should be carefully 
forwarded. 

The Admiral, not to be outdone in politeness, sent a 
package of wine to the Pacha, rightly conjecturing that it 
would not prove an unwelcome present. 

On the 2nd of October, an Egyptian gunner, who had de- 
serted, came on board the ' Hastings,' at Beyrout, and gave 
information that a train had been laid along the bridge to 
the eastern castle, where a large quantity of powder was 
concealed ; and he undertook to guide a party to cut the 
train and seize the powder. 

Commander Worth at once offered to perform this dan- 
gerous service, and numbers volunteered to follow him. Pie 
embarked in one of the boats of the ' Hastings,' protected by 
the launch and pinnace of the ' Edinburgh,' and covered by 
the fire of the ships. Dashing on, in the face of a heavy fire 
of musketry, he landed on the bridge, cut off the train, and 
then forced his way into the castle, over the walls of which 
he threw some 60 or 70 barrels of powder, and succeeded in 
bringing off 31 barrels more. 

Unfortunately, in this service, Mr. Luscomb, a midshipman 
of the ' Hastings,' was killed ; the Egyptian, and two sea- 
men of the ' Hastings,' and one of the ' Edinburgh,' were 
wounded. 



16 THE WAR IN SYRIA. 



CAPTAIN MARTIN S ATTACK ON THE CASTLE 
OF D'JEBEL. 

A strong body of Albanian troops being posted in the 
Castle of D'Jebel, Captain Martin was despatched in the 
e Carysfort,' with the ' Dido,' and ' Cyclops,' having on 
board 220 marines and 150 armed mountaineers to turn 
them out. 

The ' Carysfort ' anchored at noon, having the ' Dido ' 
ahead and the ' Cyclops ' astern, with springs on their cables, 
within musket-shot of D'Jebel. Immediately afterwards a 
number of mountaineers came down to the beach, and were 
brought off in the boats. 

As soon as the marines were prepared for landing, and 
their commanding officer had reconnoitred the place of dis- 
embarkation, the ships opened their fire on the castle, which 
was returned by musket-shots. 

After the fire had been continued for an hour, the marines, 
commanded by Captain Robinson, accompanied by a large 
party of armed mountaineers, pushed off from the ' Cyclops,' 
and formed on the beach to the south of the town, their 
landing being covered by the ships, which again opened on 
the castle. Captain Austin superintended the landing of 
the marines, and accompanied them as they advanced to 
attack the castle. The fire from the ships and. the launch's 
carronades having cleared the gardens in front of the castle, 
the signal was made to push on. The marines on this ad- 
vanced with their invariable gallantry to the assault ; but 
when they got within thirty yards of the towers, a destruc- 
tive fire was opened on them from a crenelled outwork, 
having a deep ditch in front, which was completely masked 
from the fire of the ships. In vain Captain Eobinson and 
the other officers looked for some part of the castle wall 
which might prove practicable. ISo gate was accessible, and 



ATTACK ON THE CASTLE D'jEBEL. 17 

nothing but the muzzles of the enenfy's muskets were visible 
through the loop-holes. The marines were falling on every 
side without a prospect of success. Most unwillingly, 
therefore, Captain Robinson drew them off, they retiring 
steadily, and in good order. It being found that the place 
could not be taken unless the tower was levelled, the ships 
again commenced firing at it, but the immense solidity of 
the building prevented any impression being made on the 
walls. At half-past 5 o'clock, therefore, the marines em- 
barked, and the firing ceased. The party were retiring 
when it was discovered that an English flag, which had been 
planted on a garden wall by the pilot of the ' Cyclops' as a 
signal to the ships, had been accidentally left there. 

To allow it to fall into the hands of the enemy would be a 
disgrace which could not be borne, yet to recover it would 
be a work of great danger. However, volunteers were not 
wanting to attempt its recovery ; and Lieutenant Grenfell, 
and Macdonald, a seaman of the ' Cyclops,' undertook to 
bring it off. 

Without delay they set off on their hazardous expedition. 
Their progress was watched with the most -intense anxiety 
from the decks of the ships. They reached the garden-wall 
— they seized the flag-staff, and, hauling down the flag, they 
hastened Avith their prize to the shore. 

Loud cheers from all the ships greeted them as they re- 
turned on board uninjured and successful. 

A party of the mountaineers were established in the 
town at night, and the next morning it was discovered 
that the Albanians had evacuated the castle, leaving behind 
them three wounded men, one of whom died soon after he 
was made prisoner. 

The loss of the British in front of the castle walls was 
very severe, and as follows : — 

' Benbow,' 2 marines killed, 4 wounded severely. ' Has- 
tings,' 2 marines killed, 7 wounded severely ; Lieut. C. W. 
Adair, slightly, 3 marines slightly. ' Castor,' 1 marine 
wounded severely. ' Zebra' 1 marine killed. ' Cyclops,' 



18 THE WAR IX SYRIA. 

Lieut. George Giffard wounded severely, 1 marine wounded 
severely. Total killed, 5. Total wounded, 18. 

The frigates, and other smaller ships and steamers, were 
chiefly employed, during the operations, in landing arms 
and supplying them to the mountaineers, who wished to 
support the government of the Sultan. 

On the 11th of September, the English and Austrian 
Admirals of the fleet off Beyrout, sent a joint note to Suli- 
man Pacha the Governor, desiring him to withdraw his 
troops from the town and thus put a stop to further effusion 
of blood. A verbal answer, however, only was returned, to 
the effect that the Pacha was holding a council of war, and 
would send a reply the next morning. As this was evidently 
an evasion to gain time, the bombardment was renewed with 
shot and shell till the 16th, when the Egyptians retired from 
the town. 

Great care was taken on every occasion, throughout the 
war, to fire at the castles and strongholds, and to do as little 
injury as possible to the towns and non-combatants. 



SKIRMISH ON THE KELBSON (DOG RIVER). 

The Egyptians had taken up a strong position on the left 
of the Kelbson (or Dog River), and as it became neces- 
sary to dislodge them, Commodore JNapier marched out of 
cantonments on the 24th, to effect that object. He had 
with him four Turkish battalions under Selim Pacha, the 
2nd battalion of Royal Marines under Captain Eegan, and 
an Austrian rocket detachment under Alfiere di Yasielli 
Baldisiretto. The ground on either side of the Kelbson is 
very high and precipitous, and would afford its defenders 
very great advantages over an attacking party. To counter- 
act this, a Turkish battalion descended unobserved near 
the entrance of the gorge, through which the Dog River 



SKIRMISH OX THE KELBSON (DOG EIVER). 19 

runs, and gained the heights on the opposite side ; the 
marines and Austrian rocket detachment crossed higher 
up, crowned the heights, and advanced on the enemy's 
position about two leagues off. The Turkish battalion 
remained in position to cover the right in the event of 
Suliman Pacha advancing from Beyrout to disturb their 
operations. 

The enemy then took up a new position on the heights 
of Ornochojonen, in consequence of observing the advance of 
three Turkish battalions to attack them. 

The Turks advanced with great gallantry, General Joch- 
mus, the chief of the staff, accompanied by the Commodore's 
aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Bradley, of the ' Powerful,' put him- 
self at the head of the skirmishers, and showed a gallant 
example, which was admirably followed by Selim Pacha, 
at the head of a battalion well supported by the people 
of the country. 

The enemy's skirmishers were speedily driven in, and their 
main body, consisting of some 700 men, fired two volleys and 
retired in great confusion ; the Turks following them up 
with so much vigour that between 400 and 500 prisoners 
were made and the rest dispersed. 

Lieutenant Bradley, from the way in which he particularly 
exposed himself in front of the skirmishers, was highly spoken 
of in the despatch. In this operation, which opened the 
whole of the Kata district, and enabled a number of moun- 
taineers to obtain arms, none of the British were killed or 
wounded. The next day the Commodore recrossed the river 
to his former position, and made preparations for an attack 
on Sidon. 



c2 



20 THE WAR IX SYRIA. 



CAPTURE OF SIDON. 

As the possession of Sidon was considered of much im- 
portance to the Sultan's cause, from giving confidence to his 
subjects, and as its loss would be embarrassing to the mea- 
sures of Ibrahim Pacha, an attack was resolved on, in case 
the Governor should refuse to surrender it. The command 
of the expedition was given to Commodore Napier, who, 
with characteristic confidence, undertook to perform the 
work and to be back again off Beyrout within three days. 

At midnight, on the 25th of September, the Commodore 
left Beyrout with the ' Gorgon' and ' Cyclops,' his broad pen- 
nant flying on board the ' Gorgon.' A battalion of 500 marines 
under Captain Morrison, and a Turkish one of similar strength, 
had been embarked on board the two ships, which im- 
mediately proceeded to Sidon. At daylight next morning, 
the castles of Sidon appeared above the horizon, and at the 
same time the ' Thunderer,' Captain Berkeley ; the Austrian 
frigate 'Guerriera,' commanded by the Archduke Frederick; 
a Turkish corvette, and the ' Wasp,' joined, as also the 
' StromboH,' from England, with 284 marines under Captain 
"Wylock. 

At 11 o'clock the town was summoned to surrender, but 
as no answer was given by the Egyptians, preparations were 
made to attack. 

The following were the ships employed on the expedition : 
— ' Thunderer,' Captain M. E. E. Berkeley ; ' Guerriera,' 
Austrian frigate ; ' Gorgon,' Captain Henderson ; ' Cyclops,' 
Captain Austin ; ' Wasp,' Commander Mausel ; ' Hydra,' 
Commander Eobinson ; ' Stromboli,' Commander "Williams ; 
' Gul Sefide,' Turkish corvette. 

The Egyptian garrison consisted of nearly a thousand men, 
under the command of Ibrahim Pacha. His family had pre- 



CAPTURE OF SIDON. 21 

viously been embarked on board a French steamer, to be out 
of barm's way. 

The wind being light, the ' Cyclops' towed the ' Thunderer' 
to her position, previously fixed by Captain Berkeley. The 
' Stromboli ' towed the Austrian frigate ' Gruerriera ' and the 
Turkish corvette, which were placed by Captain Berkeley 
abreast of the town. The ' Wasp' and ' Stromboli' anchored 
more to the southward to flank it. The ' G-orgon,' ' Cyclops,' 
and ' Hydra,' which joined from Tyre with Walker Bey, 
up their positions to the northward, close to the castle. 

All preparations being made, the Turkish battalion was 
put into the boats and rendezvoused round the ' Cyclops,' 
ready to land. The ' Gorgon ' then commenced the engage- 
ment by firing a few shot and shells at the castle and bar- 
racks, and shortly after the whole squadron opened their 
broadsides for the purpose of driving the troops from the 
houses and the entrenchments they had thrown up to pre- 
vent a landing. At the same time the Egyptians com- 
menced firing from their great guns and small arms at the 
ships. The cannonade having lasted for half an hour, it 
being supposed that the enemy would have been driven from 
their entrenchments, the ships were ordered to cease firing ; 
and Captain Austin, on that, landed the Turkish battalion at 
the castle, which is joined to the town by a narrow causeway. 
In effecting this, he was obstinately opposed, and several of 
his followers were killed and wounded. As it was found 
that the enemy still remained in their entrenchments, the 
ships again opened their fire, and battered down the houses 
in front of the town. 

The ' Wasp' was anchored abreast of a strong castle, and 
Commander Mansel was directed to seize the first favourable 
moment for throwing the detachment of marines brought 
out by the ' Stromboli ' and the Austrian marines into it. 
After taking it, they were ordered to work their way to the 
upper castle, which commands the town. Commander Man- 
sel performed this work in the face of a hot fire, with great 
judgment and gallantry. It was on this occasion that 



22 THE WAR IN SYRIA*. 

Lieutenant Hoskin, of the marines, a promising young 
officer, who had only just arrived in the ' Stromboli,' from 
England, was killed. Several marines also were killed and 
wounded. 

The Commodore now saw that the moment for storming 
the town had arrived. The first battalion of marines was 
landed by Captain Henderson, of the ' Grorgon,' on the beach 
to the northward of the town, where they formed and ad- 
vanced to the walls. The Turkish battalion, headed by 
"Walker Bey and Captain Austin, pushed along the causeway 
and entered the town. Captain Napier put himself at the 
head of the British marines, and broke into the barracks ; 
and as soon as Captain Henderson and another party had 
lodged themselves in a house above the barracks, he marched 
the battalion above the line wall of the upper gate, broke it 
open, and seized the castle. Numberless acts of gallantry 
were displayed. Among others, there was a complete race 
from the spot where they landed, between Mr. James Hunt, a 
midshipman of the ' Stromboli,' and Signor Dominica Chinca, 
a midshipman of the Austrian frigate ' Gruerriera,' who should 
first plant their colours on the walls of the town. All now 
appearing quiet in the town, the Commodore left a guard in 
the castle, and descended into it. He led his party through 
several streets arched over, where occasional skirmishing 
took place with several parties of Egyptian troops. These 
were, however, easily driven back, till they finally took refuge 
in a vaulted barrack, where upwards of a thousand men were 
found concealed, prepared for a sortie should circumstances 
have favoured it. As it was, they were too glad to lay down 
their arms. "No town was ever taken where less blood was 
unnecessarily spilt, or disorders more speedily put a stop to. 
This was owing chiefly to the exertions of Captain Berkeley, 
assisted by the Archduke and the Captains of the squadron, 
as also to the good conduct of the British marines, the Aus- 
trians, and the Turks. 

Commander Mansel was highly spoken of, as were also 
Captains Henderson and Austin, Commanders Robinson 



CAPTURE OF SIDON. 23 

and "Williams, and Captains Morrison and "Wylock, of the 
Marines. Mr. Cmnming, a mate of the ' Cyclops,' particu- 
larly distinguished himself by his gallantry, as did Messrs. 
M'Gruire and Price, mates of long standing, who were both 
severely wounded. 

Not one of the garrison, 3,000 in number, escaped. Com- 
modore Napier speaks of the patience with which the wounded 
Egyptians, who were found in various parts of the town, 
bore their sufferings. A black man was found in a corner, 
with his leg broken, but though he was evidently in great 
pain, he did not utter a murmur, and on a shutter being- 
brought, refusing assistance, he placed himself on it, holding 
his wounded leg in his hands, and in this way was carried to 
the hospital. Leaving a battalion of Turks in the town, and 
a squadron before it, under Captain Berkeley, the Commodore 
returned to D'Jounie Bay that same afternoon, after an 
absence of only forty-eight hours. 

The following graphic sketch of the gallant old Commodore 
at Sidon appeared in the 'Malta Times,' from which I quote — 
" Charlie Napier, when talking with the Admiral on Friday 
last, the 25th September, observed that Sidon was not yet in 
our possession, and said to him, ' If you like I will go down 
and take it, and be back again in eight-and-forty hours.' 
He started, and was as good as his word. He had the 
' Thunderer,' ' Cyclops,' ' Grorgon,' and ' Hydra,' with 800 
Turks and 500 marines. On their way he fell in with the 
■ Stromboli,' from England, with a detachment of 200 ma- 
rines : these he took with him, and after firing shot and shells 
at the town for a couple of hours, he made a breach, and 
landed at the head of his men. The struggle was a sharp 
one; but after destroying a great number of the enemy, who 
would neither give nor receive quarter, they at last killed the 
Egyptian commander, who died game. With two marines' 
bayonets at his breast, he refused quarter, and resisted — so 
they fired, and he died, when his troops, to the amount of 
500, threw down their arms : 1,500 were afterwards taken, 
and the whole 2,000 have been brought round to the fleet at 



24 THE WAR IX SYRIA. 

D' Jounie ; I believe they will be sent to Cyprus. JSapier 
was most daring. On the tops of the bouses be made bis 
way, waving bis bat on tbe point of bis sword, and cheering 
on bis men. Our loss amounted to 15 marines killed and 
wounded — 2 mates badly wounded, Motley and Shears, of the 
' "Wasp ;* and a mate of the ' Revenge,' with five seamen, one 
since dead; and one of the 'Thunderer's' launchers killed. 
A marine officer who bad only that morning arrived in the 
' Stromboli' was killed in the breach ; his name is Hoskin, and 
he has been serving on tbe coast of Spain. I bear another 
has been wounded. 

" The ' Castor' and ' Pique' took Tyre." 



BATTLE OF BOHARSOF. 

Our business is, properly speaking, only with affairs afloat, 
but we do not preclude ourselves from describing any display 
of gallantry by naval men on shore. "We therefore give a 
slight sketch of the last of Commodore ISapier's actions on 
shore before be delivered up tbe command of the Turkish 
army to Colonel Sir Charles Smith, who was now sufficiently 
recovered to assume it. 

On the 15th of October, the Commodore was at breakfast 
in the convent of Ornagacuan, on Lebanon, with the Egyp- 
tian army strongly posted before him, when news was brought 
him that the ' Emir Bechir' bad arrived, and that Thrahiin 
Pacha was expecting strong reinforcements. This decided 
him to attack the enemy forthwith. He and the officers with 
him, among whom were Lieutenants Bradley and Duncan, 
Mr. Pearn, master of the ' Powerful,' and Lieut. -Col. Hodges, 
her Majesty's Consul- General in Syria, instantly threw 
themselves on horseback, and galloped to the advanced posts. 
The gallant Napier amusingly describes tbe novelty of the 
occurrence of a British Commodore standing on the top of 



CAPTURE OF CAIFFA. 25 

Mount Lebanon, commanding a Turkish army, and preparing 
to fight a battle which would decide the fate of Syria. The 
enemy were strongly posted on lofty eminences, among 
rugged and almost inaccessible rocks; but the Turks and 
mountaineers, led on by their own and the British officers, 
gallantly stormed their position, and put them to the rout. 
They fled, leaving their baggage, ammunition, and provisions : 
night terminating the pursuit. Ibrahim Pacha escaped 
with a few men ; 600 or 700 prisoners were taken, and the 
rest dispersed. In consequence of this victory, Beyrout was 
abandoned, and the Turks took possession of it. 

In one month the Commodore succeeded with his small 
army of marines and Turks in freeing nearly the whole of 
Lebanon, in taking 5,000 prisoners, and in gaining over to 
the standard of the Sultan nearly 5,000 deserters. After 
this battle he went on board the ' Powerful,' though he was 
not long idle before the attack on Acre was decided on. 



CAPTURE OF CAIFFA BY CAPTAIN COLLIER, 

17th. September. 

As it was necessary to take possession of Caiffa, Captain 
Collier, of H.M.S. ' Castor,' with the ' Pique ' and Ottoman 
frigate ' Dewan,' were sent to accomplish that work. The 
squadron appeared off the place on the evening of the 16th 
September, and the following morning a boat was despatched 
with an officer of the Turkish frigate, accompanied by 
Lieutenant Shadwell, in one of the ' Castor's' boats, both 
bearing flags of truce, to demand the surrender of the place 
to the Sublime Porte. The flag was refused, and peremp- 
torily warned off. The ships took up their berths, Lieutenant 
"Wellesley, of the ' Castor,' ably assisting in placing the Ot- 
toman frigate, and the ' Castor' commencing, the ships opened 
their fire on the batteries. These were manned and ready 



26 THE WAR IX SYRIA. 

for defence, with 500 men in the town, but snch was the 
effect of the first few broadsides, that the troops abandoned 
their posts, and fled from the town, leaving their arms, 
knapsacks, &c, in all directions behind them. The Ottoman 
flag was soon planted on the ramparts by Lientenant Patey, 
accompanied by Lientenant "Winthrop ; Messrs. Connelly 
and Boyd, mates ; Mr. Hunt, midshipman ; and Mr. Cole, 
second master. They were immediately joined by Lieute- 
nants Carey and Macdougall, and a party of seamen and 
marines from the ' Pique,' and the whole party proceeded to 
spike and destroy the eight guns on the ramparts, by knock- 
ing off the trunnions and burning their carriages. A 
quantity of arms, stores, and munitions of war were found 
in the magazines, all of which were either destroyed or 
brought off. 

The following morning the ' Castor ' and ' Pique ' opened 
their fire on a castle in the rear of the town, and drove out 
its garrison ; and a party of seamen and marines afterwards 
landing, destroyed its guns and shook its walls to their 
foundation. The oflicers employed in this service were 
Lieutenants Varlo, Moubray, and Hamley, of the marines ; 
Lieutenant AYellesley; Messrs. Cockburn and Gibbard, 
mates ; Mr. Foley, midshipman ; and Mr. Eamage, clerk — 
under the command of Lieutenant Patey. "While spiking 
one of the guns, which had been left loaded, Lieutenant 
Macdougall, of the ' Pique,' and Mr. Grill, carpenter, were se- 
verely wounded. Lieutenant Galway, who accompanied the 
boats of the ' Pique ' both days ; Messrs. Morris and Heath, 
mates ; Messrs. Hawkins, Kenly, and Bridge, midshipmen ; 
and Mr. Partridge, volunteer of the first class — were highly 
spoken of; and Lieutenant Patey, Senior Lieutenant of the 
' Castor,' and Mr. Cockburn, Senior Mate, were recommended 
for promotion for their officer-like, cool, and steady conduct 
while employed on shore, 



CAPTURE OF TYRE. 27 



CAPTURE OF TYRE, 
24th September. 



The ■ Castor ' and ' Pique ' arrived off Tyre on the 24th 
September, and took up their positions about noon. The 
Ottoman frigate, from calms and light winds, did not come 
up in time. The town was summoned by an officer with a 
nag of truce to surrender to the Sultan, which the civil au- 
thorities agreed to do ; but as 500 Egyptian troops still 
kept possession, Captain Collier warned the inhabitants to 
quit the town, as it was his intention to dislodge the soldiers. 
Having allowed the inhabitants a sufficient time to retire a 
fire was opened by both ships, at the distance of about five 
hundred yards, which soon compelled the troops to fly. At 
daylight the following morning Capt. Boxer, having gallantly 
landed and reconnoitred to prevent surprise, the marines of 
the two frigates, with a few small-arm men under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Patey, Senior Lieutenant of the ' Castor,' 
landed and took possession of the town. Two guns were found 
mounted on the works, the trunnions of which were knocked 
off; also a vast quantity of grain in the public stores, and 
some munitions of war, which latter were brought off. 
During these operations the seamen under Captain Boxer and 
Lieutenant Carey, Senior Lieutenant of the ' Pique,' were 
arduously employed in the gun-boats day and night, watch- 
ing 1,500 of the enemy's troops, in levelling sand-banks ten 
feet high, to cover the approach to the town, and in loading 
vessels with grain after its capture. Not a man was hurt 
during the whole affair. 



28 THE WAE IX SYRIA. 

ATTACK OX TORTOSA, 
25th September. 

Captain HorsTox Stewabt, commanding H3I.S. 'Benbow,' 
while watering off the island of Buad, in company with the 
1 Carvsfort ' and ' Zebra,' was informed that a large quantity 
of provisions were stored in the town of Tortosa, from whence 
the enemy's troops in the neighbourhood received their 
supplies. Several deserters had come off; and all agreed 
that if the provisions were destroyed the troops must shift 
their quarters, and thus leave open the communication with 
the mountains, whose inhabitants were anxious for arms. 
The British were informed that the chief store-houses were 
situated close to the sea ; that a breach might be made in 
the outer wall, and immediate access obtained to them ; also 
that there were no troops in the town, but that the Egyp- 
tians were about to remove the provisions. 

On this Captain Stewart ordered the ' Carvsfort ' and 
1 Zebra ' to anchor within five hundred yards of the town, 
and some large bags of powder, with boxes and fusees, were 
prepared for blowing up the storehouses. 

The space from the margin of the sea to the spot it was 
intended to breach does not exceed sixteen yards, and as 
only a few loopholes could be perceived commanding that 
space, it was supposed that even should a fire be opened on 
the men, their advance from the boats would be too rapid to 
allow of its being effective, and that, once within the breach, 
they would easily make -good their way. 

At fifteen minutes past one p.m. the 'Carvsfort' and ' Zebra' 
commenced an admirably well-directed fire, and very soon 
opened a large well-built-up archway in front of them, and 
which now showed a considerable space within. The boats, 
which had rendezvoused on board the ' Carvsfort,' on this 
shoved off. Lieutenant Charlewood, being prepared with 



ATTACK ON TORTOSA. 29 

the necessary means for blowing np stores, buildings, &c., 
accompanied by Mr. Turner, gunner of the ' Benbow,' with 
eight steady men as pioneers, embarked in the cutter, while 
a portion of the marines serving on board the ' Benbow,' with 
those of the ' Zebra,' and twenty seamen of the ' Benbow,' 
under Lieutenants Maitland, R.N., and Harrison,R.M., imme- 
diately followed. It was arranged that all the boats (after 
disembarkation) should lie off, prepared to cover the landing- 
party with their guns and small-arms, and to re-embark 
them. The beach under the town appeared so smooth and 
deep that no one entertained a doubt that the heavy boats 
would be able to reach it, but as they went in, a ledge of 
rocks or an ancient building was found to extend itself across 
the bay at some distance from the shore, with such deep 
water inside that no man could land and keep his ammu- 
nition dry, while only the light boats, of which there were 
but two, could pass over it. Thus the marines in the launch, 
barge, and two pinnaces were unable to land. Lieut. Charle- 
wood, in the cutter, with the pioneers, powder, and three 
deserters as guides, landed at once, and proceeding towards 
the breach, had nearly reached it before a shot was fired ; but 
the moment the large boats touched the rocks they became 
exposed to a destructive fire from every minute loophole 
and crevice, and even from the holes which the cannon-shot 
had just made. Lieutenant Maitland had succeeded in 
getting about fourteen of his men landed with himself by 
another turn of the same cutter, and worked his way up to 
the breach. As soon as the firing began, the guides fled to 
the boats. Lieutenant Charlewood, proceeding with his 
pioneers, broke open several stores, and at length reached 
one filled with rice and another with corn, when he ran back 
to urge Lieutenant Maitland to bring more hands up. 
During his absence his men had hewn open another door, 
when, to their surprise, they found it entered upon a place 
filled with infantry soldiers, and a struggle ensued. Two 
soldiers were killed by the seamen ; but having nothing but 
axes, they were obliged to give way: Mr. Charlewood's 



30 THE WAK IX SYRIA. 

return, however, checked the enemy, and they did not ven- 
ture to follow him. 

Captain Stewart, fearing that something was wrong, and 
seeing Lieutenant Maitland still in the breach, hastened 
towards him in his gig, and hailing him, learned that as his 
ammunition was expended, and much of that of the marines 
was wet, there was no longer any prospect of success ; he, 
therefore, ordered the party to retire, and all got off, 
Lieutenant Charlewood even bringing his exploding appa- 
ratus away. 

Mr. J. C. Dalrymple Hay, midshipman of the 'Benbow,' 
who commanded the first cutter, with his boat's crew, who 
were much exposed, gained great credit for the spirited way 
in which they pulled backwards and forwards under fire, as 
did also Mr. W. H. Stewart, who commanded the jolly-boat 
of the ' Carysfort,' the only other light boat employed. 

It was afterwards found that, on that morning before day- 
light, 200 infantry and 100 dismounted cavalry had entered 
the town, who were opposed to the mere handful of British, 
who were able to land, though the latter were much aided by 
the precision of the fire from the ships during the whole of 
the attack. 

The following is a list of the boats and officers employed, 
and the men killed and Avounded in the affair : — 

' Benbow's ' launch. — Mr. "William King Hall, mate ; 
Lieut. Harrison, B.M. Killed, 4 marines, 1 seaman. 
Wounded, 4 marines, 2 seamen. 

Barge. — Mr. G. P. Day, mate. "Wounded, 4 seamen. 

1st Grig. — Hon. A. Cochrane, volunteer 1st Class. 

Pinnace. — Mr. A. Gr. West, midshipman. Wounded, 
1 seaman. 

1st Cutter.— Mr. J. C. D. Hay, midshipman. Killed, 
1 seaman. Wounded, 2 seamen. 

Landing party.— Mr. P. H. Stanfell, mate ; Mr. J. P. 
Boss, midshipman. Wounded, 1 seaman. 

' Carysfort's' pinnace. — Lieut. Stephens ; Hon. — Douglas, 
midshipman. Xone killed or wounded. 



BOMBARDMENT OF ACRE. 31 

Barge. — Mr. G-ennys, mate ; Mr. Loney, second master. 

Jolly-boat. — Mr. W. Houston Stewart, midshipman. 

' Zebra's ' pinnace. — Mr. J. Simpson, mate. "Wounded, 
3 marines. 

' Benbow.' — Killed, 2 seamen, 3 royal marines. "Wounded, 
9 seamen, 3 royal marines, severely. Wounded, 1 seaman, 
1 marine, slightly. 

- Zebra.' — Wounded, 2 seamen, 1 marine, slightly. Total 
killed, 5 ; total wounded, 17. 

It is always melancholy to contemplate a heavy loss like the 
above without any result : but such must constantly occur in 
the course of warfare ; and on the other hand we must remem- 
ber that some of the most brilliant and important exploits are 
performed with little or no loss : nor must we refuse our 
meed of praise to those brave men who are exposed to equal 
dangers in affairs which appear to be of little consequence to 
the nation at large. 

We must now turn to the final event of the war in Syria. 



BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF ACRE, 
3rd November, 1840. 

The defence of Acre, by the bravery and exertions of Sir 
S. Smith, and the gallant officers and crew of the ' Tigre' and 
' Theseus,' which compelled Napoleon to raise the seige, after 
being before it two months, is well known. Had Napoleon 
succeeded in capturing Acre, in all probability, the Grand 
Prince of Lebanon would have declared for him, and enabled 
him to take possession of Syria. In December, 1837, Ibra- 
him Pacha invested Acre by sea and land, and took it after a 
siege of six months. Mehemet Ali had begun to strengthen 
it still further ; but its newly-designed fortifications were not 
complete when the allied squadron appeared off it on the 
2nd November, 1840. 



32 THE WAR IX SYRIA. 

It having been determined, therefore, on the 29th Sep- 
tember, by Sir Robert Stopford and Sir Charles Smith, that 
the siege of Acre should be undertaken, Omar Bey was 
ordered to advance from Sidon, with 2,000 Turks, upon Tyre, 
and then to occupy the "White Mountains to the northward 
of Acre ; while 3,000 men, under the immediate command of 
Selim Pacha, and small detachments of Eoyal Artillery and 
Sappers, under Major Higgins, of the former corps, and 
Lieutenant Aldrich, Eoyal Engineers, embarked on board 
the squadron. 

On the 26th of October, the Turkish Admiral sent in a 
flag of truce, summoning Acre to surrender ; but it was not 
received ; and the garrison threatened to fire on the boat 
which brought it. 

Captain Edward Boxer, of the ' Pique,' and Captain Cod- 
rington, of the ' Talbot,' had been surveying the coast for 
some days, and buoying several shoals which were not known, 
thus enabling the ships to go in without risk of getting on 
shore. Owing to light winds and calms, the squadron did 
not get into action till 2 p.ir. on the 3rd November. 

The following ships were engaged in the bombardment and 
capture of Acre : — 

' Princess Charlotte,' 104 (flag-ship of Admiral Sir Robert 
Stopford, Commander-in-Chief), Captain Eanshawe; 'Power- 
ful,' 84 (broad pennant), Commodore Napier; 'Thunderer,' 
84, Captain Berkeley ; ' Bellerophon,' 80, Captain Austin ; 
' Revenge,' 76, Captain Waldegrave ; ' Benbow,' 72, Captain 
Stewart ; ' Edinburgh,' 72, Captain Henderson ; ' Castor,' 
(frigate), 36, Captain Collier; 'Pique' (frigate), 36, Captain 
Boxer ; ' Carysfort ' (frigate), 26 (heavy 32 H. S.), Captain 
Martin; ' Talbot' (frigate), 26 (carron. 32 H. S.), Captain 
Codrington; 'Hazard' (sloop) 18, Commander Hon. C. 
Elhott ; ' Wasp ' (brig), 16, Commander Mansel ; ' Gorgon ' 
(steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Captain Henderson; 'Phoenix' 
(steam-frigate), 2 and 2, Commander R, Stopford; ' Strom- 
boli' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Commander W.Williams; 



BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF ACRE. 33 

' Vesuvius ' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Commander Henderson ; 
Turkish Flag-ship, 84, Eear- Admiral Walker ; small cutter, 
captured, 8 ; Austrian Flag-ship, 60, Admiral Bandeira ; 
Austrian frigate, 46, His Royal Highness Archduke Freda- 
rick ; corvette, 20. 

Acre presents two sides to the sea, one facing to the west 
and the other to the south ; and this made it necessary for 
the squadron to attack in two divisions. 

Commodore Napier led the way in the ' Powerful,' to the 
northward, closely followed by the ' Princess Charlotte,' 
' Thunderer,' ' Bellerophon,' and ' Pique ;' while Captain Col- 
lier, of the ' Castor,' commanded on the south, with the 
' Benbow,' ' Edinburgh,' ' Carysfort,' ' Talbot,' ' "Wasp,' and 
' Hazard.' 

Sir Robert Stopford, accompanied by Sir Charles Smith, 
embarked on board the ' Phcenix ' to superintend the attack, 
though his flag was still flying on board the ' Princess Char- 
lotte.' 

The ' Powerful,' followed by the other ships, having got 
round the shoal, bore up and ran along shore towards the 
north angle. 

As they drew near the fortress, the colours were hoisted 
from two flag-staffs, one on the citadel, and the other lower 
down. The bow guns of the - Powerful ' were now fired to 
prevent the Egyptians from pointing with correctness. In 
a few minutes she passed the circular redoubt, where only 
three or four guns were mounted, and then anchored abreast 
of the sea wall, defended by forty guns, in six and a half 
fathom water, and at about 700 yards distance from it. The 
wind was on the land ; the weather was uncertain ; and, as 
they were not sure of their soundings further in, had they 
been obliged to swing and veer, they might have tailed on 
shore. The other ships, as they came up, anchored in suc- 
cession astern of the ■ Powerful.' 

At the same time the southern division, led with great 
judgment and gallantry by Captain Collier, were fast ap- 
proaching their position. As soon as they were within 



34* THE WAR m SYRIA. 

range the Egyptians opened their fire on them, thongh the 
shot passed considerably over the ships. 

As the ships snccessively anchored, they opened a tremen- 
dous fire on the batteries ; and so well were the shot directed 
that it would have been almost impossible for any human 
beings to have stood their ground. The Egyptians, conse- 
quently, were soon thrown into confusion, many of them 
endeavouring to make their escape as they best could. Eive 
guns only, placed in a flanking battery, were well served, 
and never missed ; but they were fortunately pointed too 
high, and did damage only to the spars and rigging of the 
'Powerful.' The main-top-mast and mizen-topsail-yard of 
that ship were shot through, and her rigging was much cut, 
though only two shot struck her hull, without doing much 
damage. The ships astern of her suffered much in their 
rigging. The ' Princess Charlotte ' had one man killed ; and 
the ' Thunderer ' had her quarter-gallery shot away. 

Captain "Waldegrave, in the ' Revenge,' had been ordered 
to keep under weigh as a reserve, but Commodore Napier 
now signalled the ' Revenge ' to take up a position a-head of 
him,' to attack a heavy battery of five guns. This Captain 
"Waldegrave did in gallant style, in place of the ' Thunderer,' 
which was ordered by the Admiral to do so, but had got so 
jammed between the ' Princess Charlotte ' and ' Bellerophon ' 
that she could not weigh without fouling one of them. 

"While these preceedings were taking place on the west 
face, Captain Collier's squadron were engaging the batteries 
with admirable spirit on the south, supported by the 
Austrians under Admiral Bandeira. Admiral "Walker, also, 
much distinguished himself. He ran inside all the squadron 
and took up a warm berth abreast of a new and very strong 
work. The steamers outside, the ' Grorgon,' ' Vesuvius,' 
' Phoenix,' and ' Stromboli,' were not idle, as they kept up a 
hot fire of shot and shell — some of their shells doing much 
execution. 

After the ships had hotly engaged the batteries for nearly 
two hours, the grand magazine blew up with a most tre- 



BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF ACRE. 35 

inendous explosion, whether caused by a shell or by acci- 
dent it is difficult to say. A large number of the garrison 
were blown up, and many probably were buried alive in the 
ruins or in the casements. The five guns before mentioned, 
notwithstanding this catastrophe, kept up their fire with 
great spirit to the last. About sunset the signal was made 
to discontinue the engagement, but the Commodore kept the 
fire up some time after dusk, lest the enemy should be 
tempted to reman their guns. The Flag-Lieutenant then 
brought the orders to withdraw. The ' Bevenge ' slipped her 
stern anchor, and made sail without difficulty ; the ' Princess 
Charlotte ' picked up both her anchors and made sail, but 
casting the wrong way, nearly got on shore. She was, how- 
ever, conducted in the most seamanlike-manner, and not a 
word was heard on board her. The ' Powerful ' was towed 
out by the ' G-orgon.' The ' Thunderer ' and ' Pellerophon ' 
remained in their position. The southern squadron also 
remained at anchor, and this probably induced the governor 
to abandon the town, which he did about midnight, with the 
greater part of the garrison. 

In the middle of the night a small boat brought off the 
information that the Egyptian troops were leaving the town, 
and in consequence, at daylight 300 Turks and a party of 
Austrian marines landed and took unopposed possession 
of the place. The havoc caused by the guns of the squadron 
on the walls and houses was very great, though, notwith- 
standing the hot and long-continued fire they had been ex- 
posed to, the ships escaped with little damage, and the 
amount of casualties was very small, being 14 English and 
4 Turks killed and 42 wounded. 

An entire battalion, which had been formed near the maga- 
zine, ready to resist any attempts to storm, were destroyed. 
The appearance of the dead and wounded, as they lay 
scattered about the town, was very dreadful, but they seemed 
to excite but little sympathy in the breasts of the Turks. 
Every living creature within the area of 60,000 square yards 
round the magazine had ceased to exist, the loss of life being 

d2 



36 THE WAK IN SYRIA. 

computed from 1,200 to 2,000 persons ; certainly two entire 
regiments were annihilated, with 50 donkies, 30 camels, 
12 cows, and some horses. 

This was the first occasion on which the advantages of 
steam had been fully proved in battle, by the rapidity with 
which the steamers took up their positions, and the assistance 
they rendered to the other ships, as also by the destruction 
caused through the shells thrown from them. 

On the 4th another explosion took place, by which a ma- 
rine was killed and Captain Collier had his leg fractured. 

The garrison being placed in a state of order, was left 
under the command of Sir Charles Smith, with 3,000 Turkish 
troops, and 250 marines under Lieutenant- Colonel Walker, 
with the protection of the ' Pique ' and ' Stromboli.' 

Return of killed and wounded in the squadron under the 
orders of Admiral the Hon. Sir Eobert Stopford, Com- 
mander-in-Chief, in the attack of the fortifications of St. 
Jean d' Acre, 3rd November, 1840 : — 

' Princess Charlotte.' — Killed, 1 seaman. 

' Powerful.' — Wounded, 1 seaman, severely ; 2 seamen and 
1 marine, slightly 

' Bellerophon.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Revenge.' — Killed, 1 seaman, 1 drummer of marines. 
Wounded, 3 seamen, severely ; 1 marine, slightly. 

1 Thunderer.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Castor.' — Killed, 4 seamen. Wounded, 1 seaman 2 ma- 
rines, severely ; 3 seamen 1 marine, slightly. 

' Edinburgh.' — Killed, 2 seamen, 1 drummer, 1 marine. 
Wounded slightly, Commander P.. D. Hastings, Mr. John 
Davies, master, Mr. Joseph Plimsoll, assistant-surgeon, 
Mr. Henry Boys, midshipman, 1 seaman, 1 boy, 1 marine. 

' Benbow.' — None killed or wounded. 

1 Pique.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Carysfort.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Talbot.' — Wounded severely, Lieutenant Gr. B. Le Me- 
surier, who died from his wounds ; Mr. Henry Haswell, 
mate, slightly, 1 seaman severely. 



BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF ACRE. 37 

' Grorgon.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Wasp.' — Wounded, 5 seamen, 1 marine, severely. 

' Stroinboli.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Phoenix.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Vesuvius.' — None killed or wounded. 

' Hazard.' — Wounded, 1 marine, 1 boy, slightly. 

Turkish Mag-ship, Rear- Admiral Walker. — Four killed, 3 
wounded. 

' Medea,' Austrian Flag-ship, Hear- Admiral Bandeira.— 
One killed, 4 wounded. 

' Gruerriera,' Austrian frigate.- — One killed, 2 wounded. 

Total killed, 18 ; total wounded, 41. 

Nearly 2,000 Egyptians were killed by the explosion of 
the magazine, and 300 on the ramparts, wounded unknown ; 
3,000 prisoners were takem 

The booty captured was as follows : — 

On the walls of Acre 121 mounted guns and 42 not 
mounted ; 20 mortars. In store and ready, 97 boxes field- 
pieces and 97 mortars ; arms, ammunition, shot, shells, 
stores of all kinds, military chest, hospital stores ; specie, 
supposed to be 5,000/. value. 

The results of the capture of Acre were very important. 
The Egyptian garrison of Caiffa and Jaffa forthwith evacuated 
those places, and endeavoured to fight their way through 
Palestine into Egypt. The Mutualis and Naplous insur- 
gents, however, cut many of them off, and those who escaped 
retreated to Acre and surrendered as prisoners of war. The 
army of Ibrahim Pacha, which at the commencement of 
September amounted to 75,000 men, had dwindled to 20,000. 
The Syrian tribes declared for the Sultan, and the garrison 
and inhabitants of Jerusalem also returned to their alle- 
giance. On the fall of Acre, Commodore Napier was sent 
to Alexandria, where he made a convention with Mehemet 
Ali, in which the Pacha agreed to order his son Ibrahim to 
evacuate Syria, and to restore the Turkish fleet as soon as he 
received official notification that the Sultan woidd grant him 
the hereditary government of Egypt, the Commodore, on 



38 THE WAR IN SYRIA. 

his part, undertaking that hostilities should he suspended 
against Alexandria or any other part of Egypt, and that the 
Egyptian army under Ibrahim Pacha should have an unmo- 
lested passage through Syria.* These terms were not, how- 
ever, ratified, and it was not till the 11th of January, 1841, 
that, by a fresh treaty, Mehemet Ali gave up the whole 
Turkish fleet, which sailed for Marmorice under Admiral 
"Walker ; and soon after the Sultan sent a firman according 
to the Pacha the hereditary possession of Egypt, without 
any interference on the part of the Porte, while a yearly 
tribute of 2,000,000?. was to be paid to the Sultan, besides 
about 2,000,000/. more of arrears. 

Thus terminated the part taken by the British in the 
affairs of Turkey and Egypt. 

* In a private letter, dated November 21, from an officer of the 
squadron, he says : — 

"The Commodore joined this morning. "We were all cock-a-hoop 
expecting a brush with the batteries ; but our expectations soon fell to 
the ground on hearing that he remains here only a short time, and then 
proceeds to Malta. The ships manned rigging and cheered him on 
passing, the band playing ' Charlie is my Darling,' with which ' Old 
Charlie ' was much pleased. The ' Powerful ' had the warmest berth 
at Acre ; but strange to tell, she was hulled only twice, one shot in 
the cut-water, and one hitting the main bits on the quarter-deck ; 
three men were slightly wounded from one of their own guns." 



( S9 ) 



WAK IN CHINA. 



NARRATIVE OF EVENTS WHICH LED TO THE WAR. 

A glance at the map of Asia will show us China occupying 
a large portion of its south-eastern shores. 

Towards the north, at some distance from the coast of the 
Yellow Sea, is situated Pekin, the capital, the residence of 
the Emperor. South of it is found the city of Nanking, on 
the banks of the mighty river Tangtse-Keang, second in size 
only to the Amazon and Mississippi. Some distance again 
south of the mouth of this river, and off the large city of 
Ningpo, is situated the island of Chusan, while on the 
southernmost part of the country, on the river of the same 
name, is the celebrated commercial city of Canton. The 
river of Canton is navigable up to the city for large ships, 
but there are numerous bars, and a succession of forts to be 
passed. As Canton was the only Chinese port allowed for 
foreign commerce, a crowd of merchants from all the pro- 
vinces collected there, and the warehouses contained the most 
valuable productions and manufactures of the country. The 
city consists of three towns divided by high walls : the streets 
are narrow, paved with small round stones in the middle, and 
nagged at the sides. A large portion of the population 
exists on the water in boats. The British and other foreign 
merchants have factories where they reside, and where their 
property is stored.* The lower orders of Chinese are sup- 

* Situated on an island at the entrance of the Bay of Canton is 
Macao, a town and settlement of the Portuguese. It was given to them 
by the Chinese Emperor in 1586, in return for assistance they afforded 
him against the pirates who infested the coast. About ten miles below 
Canton is the port of Whampoa. 



40 WAR IX CHINA. 

posed to have come originally from India, but they were 
conquered by the Tartars, by whom they are now governed, 
and from whom all the upper orders are descended. The 
population of China amounts to 260,000,000 souls. They 
are the most industrious people of the East, but though they 
had reached a high state of civilization two thousand years 
ago, they have probably made but little progress since that 
time. Their chief characteristic is to adhere to all that is 
established, and to reject all that is new. Though they have 
great guns, they still use a firearm, similar to the ancient 
matchlock, fired from a stand, called a jingal, as well as bows 
and arrows and shields ; and their war junks, though of great 
size, are very unwieldy and unfit for sea. 

The Chinese are ruled by an Emperor, who is absolute, 
and their government is most despotic. They were taught 
to consider themselves superior to all the world, and to look 
upon foreigners with the utmost contempt, fit only to be 
the slaves of their Emperor. Eor many years the English, 
as did all other European nations, submitted to every descrip- 
tion of indignity they chose to inflict for the sake of the 
benefits derived from a commercial intercourse with them. 
The chief officers of Government are called Mandarins. 
They rank in classes — those of the first class being Ministers 
of State, Rulers of Provinces, Grenerals and Admirals, while 
captains of ships and governors of towns rank also as man- 
darins of lower grade. The most important product and 
export of China is tea, which is shipped from Canton, a 
certain number of Chinese merchants enjoying a monopoly 
of the trade, and transacting all business with the foreign 
merchants. The chief article of import which more parti- 
cularly demands our notice is opium. The three chief places 
in India where the poppy grows, are Malwa, Patna, and 
Benares. The opium trade with China has existed since 
1780, from which time till the year 1834 the East India 
Company enjoyed a monopoly of it, but by a bill introduced 
by Lord Grlenelg (then Mr. Grant) in 1833, the trade was 
thrown open ; and three officials were appointed at Canton 



EVENTS WHICH LED TO THE WAR. 41 

to superintend it. The East India Company were also 
debarred from trading. It is supposed that throwing open 
the trade very much increased smuggling; at all events 
the Chinese Government now turned their attention to the 
subject, and the importation of opium was forbidden under 
severe penalties, the pretext being that the drug was highly 
injurious to the habits and morals of the people. The real, 
or at all events the chief, reason was, that as silver alone was 
given in exchange for opium, they were afraid that the 
country would be drained of that precious metal, and probably 
also those in authority who were accustomed to receive bribes 
for allowing its admission, found that it entered the country 
by other channels from which they gained no benefit. Be 
that as it may, the court at Pekin seemed resolved, in 1839, 
to put a stop to it, and appointed a High Commissioner, Lin, 
to proceed to Canton for that purpose. To prove that he 
was in earnest, he ordered a Chinese opium smuggler to be 
strangled, and then shut up the British merchants in their 
factory, and demanded the delivery of all the opium on board 
the. ships in the river. At the same time the British flag 
. was fired on, British ships were violently detained, and a 
Chinaman having been accidentally killed by a British sea- 
man, the life of a British subject was demanded in return. 

In short it became evident that all commercial intercourse 
would soon be put a stop to, and that probably much British 
property would be destroyed, and the lives of British sub- 
jects sacrificed, unless some strong measures were instantly 
taken by the British Government to bring the Chinese to 
order. Captain Elliot, B. N., who was at that time Chief 
Superintendent of Trade, acted on the occasion with the 
greatest promptitude, courage, and decision. 

He sent home despatches with an accouut of the state of 
affairs, declared himself and the British merchants forcibly 
detained, and demanded a delivery of the opium from the 
merchants for her Majesty's government, and then gave it up 
to the Chinese authorities. By these proceedings, he gained 
time, and enabled all the teas ready to be shipped to be got 



42 WAR IN CHINA. 

off, as their non-reception in England would have caused a 
serious defalcation in the revenue. It must be understood 
that the war in China was undertaken not to compel the 
people to receive a pernicious drug like opium, but to punish 
the Government for the numerous injuries and insults thej 
had offered to the English, and by teaching them to respect 
our power, to induce them to trade with us on fair and equal 
terms, and to treat us in future as one civilized people should 
treat another ; also to demand reparation of grievances, and 
payment for the property of British subjects destroyed at 
Canton, to obtain a guarantee against similar occurrences in 
future ; and, what was of the greatest importance, to open up 
the trade at the different ports along the coast. 

"With these objects to be accomplished, a large squadron, 
with a number of transports containing a considerable body 
of troops, were despatched in 1840 by the Governor- General 
of India to the China seas. 

The following were among many other causes the British 
had of complaint against the Chinese, and for which the 
latter refused any compensation or redress : — 

The general insolent behaviour of all officials, both to 
wards British authorities and merchants. 

The breaking open Lord Xapier's luggage. Driving 
away his native servants. Firing on Her Majesty's ships 
' Imogene' and { Andromache.' Closing the communication 
for purposes of co mme rce to the English between Canton 
and "Whampoa. 

Eiring on a British boat from the Eorts of the Boca Tigris. 

Seizing the property of British merchants. Imprisoning 
British merchants. 

Claiming the life of a British subject, on account of 
a Chinaman having been killed accidentally by an English- 
man. The attack on a British boat, and murder of her crew 
by Chinese. 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAK. 43 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR. ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. 
* VOLAGE ' AND ' HYACINTH, ' AND A SQUADRON OF 
CHINESE WAR-JUNKS, 

November 3rd, 1859. 

Hee Majesty's ships 'Yolage/ Captain H. Smith, and 
' Hyacinth,' Captain "Warren, were lying in the month of 
the Canton river, when information was sent by Captain 
Elliot, the Superintendent of Trade, to Captain Smith, that 
a large fleet of war-junks, under the command of Admiral 
Kwan, was assembled near Chuenpee, for the purpose 
probably of attempting the destruction of the British mer- 
chant shipping off Hong Kong. The intention of the 
Chinese was evident from the erection of batteries over- 
looking the shipping of Hong Kong, the assemblage of war- 
junks in the neighbouring bay, and the encampment of 
numerous bodies of troops at the back of the boundary 
wall at Macao; in addition to which, High Commissioner 
Lin and the Governor had issued proclamations, threatening 
the seizure of the Superintendent and all British subjects. 
Captain Elliot went on board the ' Volage ' on the 28th of 
October, when both ships got under weigh, but, owing to 
light winds, did not reach the Bogue till the 2nd November, 
when they anchored in front of an imposing force of war- 
junks and fire-vessels. Here a letter was sent on board the 
Admiral's junk to the Commissioners by Lieutenant Hamil- 
ton, accompanied by Mr. Morrison, the Chinese Interpreter, 
demanding the intentions of the Chinese. These gentle- 
men were well received, and a request forwarded by them 
for the ships to move further down, and they were informed 
that a reply would be sent the next day. No reply, how- 
ever, came, and on the 3rd, at 9 * 30 a.m., Captain Smith 



44 WAR IN CHINA. 

perceiving the war-junks and fire-vessels, 29 in number, 
getting under weigh and bearing down upon him, the ' Vo- 
lage ' and ' Hyacinth ' immediately weighed anchor and 
stood towards them under easy sail. On this the Chinese 
flotilla anchored in a line about a mile from them. Captain 
Smith now sent the interpreter for a reply to his communi- 
cation, when his own letter to the High Commissioner was 
returned to him. After this want of courtesy, as it was 
evident the Chinese had sent this imposing force out for the 
purpose of intimidation, Captain Smith considered, for the 
honour of the British flag and the safety of the merchant 
vessels, it was necessary to compel them to return to their 
former anchorage, lest they might slip by him at night and 
carry their menaces into execution. 

He accordingly at noon gave the signal to engage, and 
the British ships, then lying-to at the extreme end of the 
Chinese line, bore away in close order, having the wind on 
the starboard beam. In this way, under easy sail, they ran 
down the Chinese line, pouring in a destructive fire. The 
ships, having the wind abeam, were able to run up again 
from the other extremity of the line, with their larboard 
broadsides bearing on the enemy. The Chinese, undaunted 
at first by the tremendous fire to which they were exposed, 
answered it with spirit, and their Admiral Kwang behaved 
with much courage. His war-junk was evidently better 
manned and armed than the rest of the fleet, and relying on 
this, he weighed or cut his cable, and bore down in handsome 
style to engage the British ships. His junk carried twelve 
guns, which he fought with much skill and courage ; in less, 
however, than three-quarters of an hour, the shots from the 
British ships had told with terrible effect on him and the 
rest of his fleet. One blew up, three sunk, several were 
shattered and deserted by their crews, and the remainder 
retired in the greatest confusion, that of the Admiral, evi- 
dently in a sinking state, to the anchorage above the battery. 
The ' Volage' escaped without any injury; but the 'Hya- 
cinth,' which was for some time surrounded by the junks, 



ARRIVAL OF BRITISH SQUADRON AND TRANSPORTS. 45 

had one man slightly wounded, and got her main-yard mnch 
damaged. 

Captain Smith having effected his object, the retnrn of 
the war-junks above the fort, and not wishing to canse any 
unnecessary bloodshed, at one, p.m., made the signal to ter- 
minate the action, and returned that night to Macao. He » 
there embarked a number of British residents who had gone 
there while negotiations were pending, and proceeded to 
Hong Kong, leaving the ' Hyacinth ' at Macao. 

It afterwards appeared, that from the British ships retir- 
ing without inflicting further punishment on the Chinese, 
Admiral Kwan, on his return to Canton, boasted that he had 
gained a great victory, and was in consequence covered with 
rewards and honours, while it encouraged his countrymen 
to persevere in the contest. Captain Smith acted perfectly 
right ; but it is another of many examples of the dimculty of 
dealing with barbarians, and the danger often of treating 
them with leniency and forbearance until they have com- 
pletely succumbed. All trade with the English was now 
prohibited, though American vessels brought down teas 
from Canton to the ships lying outside the Boca Tigris, and 
carried back goods in return. 



ARRIVAL OF BRITISH SQUADRON AND TRANSPORTS. 

Sootf after the event we have just described, the Chinese 
authorities at Canton sent a boat-load of poisoned tea, 
packed in small parcels, to be sold to the English seamen ; 
but the boat falling into the hands of Chinese pirates, her 
cargo was sold by them to their countrymen, many of whom 
died in consequence. About this time a proclamation was 
issued, offering 20,000 Spanish dollars to any one who would 
capture an English 80-gun ship ; and for taking alive a 
foreign mandarin or captain 5,000 dollars, and so on for 



46 WAR IN CHINA. 

other officers in proportion to their rank, while a third of 
the sum was to be paid for "killing them. The Chinese were 
making preparations at this period for future operations in 
the Canton river; troops were exercised, fire-ships were 
prepared, and guns collected. Lin also got up a sham fight 
at the Bogue, dressing some of the troops in red clothes, who 
were soundly beaten, to teach the Celestials to conquer the 
barbarian English. The Chinese had also purchased a large 
English merchant- ship, intending to turn her into a man-of- 
war, and had built some odd little craft in imitation of 
English schooners. 

On the 24th of March the ' Druid ' frigate, commanded 
by Lord John Churchill, arrived off Macao, and thence pro- 
ceeded to Tongkoo Roads. 

The expedition having reached Singapore, and waited 
there till the 30th of May for Admiral the Hon. a. Elliot, 
who was expected from the Cape of Good Hope, began to 
assemble in Macao Roads towards the end of June. It con- 
sisted of the following ships and 27 transports, having on 
board the 18th, 26th and 49th European Regiments, 37th 
Madras infantry, a body of Bengal volunteers, and a corps 
of Madras sappers and miners. The troops, who numbered 
about 4,000 men, were under the command of Colonel 
Oglander. On his death he was succeeded by Colonel 
Burrel. 

British squadron employed on the coast of China. — ' Melville,' 
74 (flag-ship), Rear-Admiral the Hon. George Elliot, C.B., 
Captain the Hon. B. S. Dundas ; ' \Yellesley,' 74 (bearing 
the broad pennant of Commodore Sir J. G. Gordon Bremer, 
C.B.), Captain Thomas Maitland ; ' Blenheim,' 74, Sir H. S. 
Fleming Senhouse, K.C.B. ; < Druid,' 44, Captain H. Smith ;* 
' Blonde,' 44, Captain F. Bourchier ; ' Conway,' 28, Captain 
C. D. Bethune ; ' Tolage,' 28, Captain George Elliot ; 
' Alligator,' 28, Captain H. Kuper ; ' Larne,' Captain J. P. 
Blake ; ' Hyacinth,' 20, Captain W. "Warren ; ' Modeste,' 

* Lord John Churchill dying, Captain Smith ^vaa appointed to the 
' Druid/ and G. Elliot succeeded him in the ' Yolage.' 



PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. BLONDE OFF AMOY. 47 

20, Captain H. Eyres; ' Pylades,' 20, Commander T. V. 
Anson ; ' Nimrod,' 20, Commander C. A. Barlow ; ' Cruiser,' 
18, Commander H. W. Giffard ; * Columbine/ 18, Com- 
mander T. J. Clarke ; ' Algerine,' 10, Lieut.-Commander 
T. S. Mason; ' Rattlesnake ' (troop-ship), Master Com- 
mander Brodie ; Hon. East India Company's armed steamers 
' Queen,' Commander "Warden ; ' Madagascar,' Commander 
Dicey ; ' Atalanta,' Commander Bogers ; ' Enterprise,' 
Commander West. 

♦ The Admiral not having arrived, the fleet was under the 
command of Sir Gordon Bremer. "While at Singapore, 
Captain Maitland had drilled 350 seamen of the ' Wellesley ' 
as light-infantry troops and brought them into an admirable 
state of efficiency. Instead of at once passing the Boca 
Tigris and attacking Canton, part of the fleet was ordered 
to proceed north, along the east coast, while the remainder 
blockaded the mouth of the Canton Biver. 



PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. 'BLONDE OFF AMOY, 
July 3rd, 1840. 

The ' Blonde,' Captain T. Bourchier, arrived off Amoy on 
the 2nd July, for the purpose of opening communications 
with the authorities of the place. An officer having been 
sent on shore with Mr. Thorn, the interpreter attached to 
the ship, was received with abusive and opprobrious language 
by the Chinese, and ordered to return. As the day dawned 
on the 3rd, the Chinese were observed making preparations 
to attack the ship. An encampment was formed on the 
beach, batteries were being thrown up, and large armed 
junks had come out of the inner harbour, while smaller ones 
were being filled with troops and placed close to the ship. 
"Unwilling to cause a rupture if it could be avoided, Captain 



48 WAR IX CHIXA. 

Bourchier got his ship under weigh, as soon as the sea-breeze 
set in, and running within 400 yards of the shore, anchored 
with springs on his cable off an angle of a casement battery, 
at the mouth of the inner harbour, so as to command it and 
the junks at the same time. A boat was again sent on 
shore with a flag of truce, when she was treacherously fired 
into. On this, the flag of truce on board the ' Blonde ' was 
haided down, and she returned the fire. Her first broadside 
dismounted the greater part of the guns in the eastern 
battery, and the second silenced both, putting to flight the 
troops formed in the neighbourhood. The fire of the 
' Blonde ' was then directed exclusively at the fort and 
armed junks. The former was soon reduced to a heap of 
ruins, and all the latter, with the exception of one, managed 
to make their escape up the harbour. The only one which 
remained had been abandoned by her crew, and an officer 
was forthwith sent on board, who hove her guns overboard 
and set her on fire. 

During the affair the neighbouring hills were covered 
with spectators, who seemed scarcely to comprehend what 
was going on. The war-junks had taken refuge among a 
fleet of trading-vessels which crowded the inner harbour, 
and Captain Bourchier, unwilling to punish the innocent as 
well as the guilty, refrained from pursuing them. Not a 
man on board the ' Blonde ' was injured, though she had 
inflicted a severe chastisement on the Chinese, numbers of 
whose bodies strewed the beach. Having performed this 
necessary though painful duty, Captain Bourchier proceeded 
on his voyage. 



CAPTURE OF CHUSA3S T . 49 



CAPTURE OF CHUSAN. 



It being considered important that possession should be 
taken of an island on the eastern coast, to facilitate the 
blockade of the great river Yang-tze, the chief artery of 
China — an object Captain Elliot had strongly advised — 
Chusan, opposite to the city of Mngpo, was the island fixed 
on. 

Commodore Sir Grordon Bremer, with his broad pennant 
flying on board the 'Wellesley,' having established the 
blockade of the Canton Biver, left Macao Boads on the 
24th of June, accompanied by Her Majesty's schooner 
' Young Hebe ' and four transports, and being joined on 
the way by the ' Atalanta ' and ' Queen ' steamers, reached 
the anchorage under the Buffalo's Nose, on the 1st July, 
where the squadron under Captain Bethune, of Her Majesty's 
ship l Conway,' as Senior Captain, had before assembled. 

The fleet consisted of the ' Wellesley,' ' Conway,' ' Alli- 
gator,' ' Cruiser,' ' Algerine,' ' Battlesnake,' and ' Young 
Hebe ;' and ' Atalanta' and ' Queen,' steamers. 

The next day the fleet proceeded to an anchorage off 
Chusan, when Captain Bethune, accompanied by the Master 
of the ' Wellesley,' in the ' Atalanta ' steam-sloop, recon- 
noitred the harbour, and sounded the passage up it. 

The next day, the 4th, the 'Wellesley,' towed by the 
' Atalanta,' and followed by the whole fleet, proceeded up the 
harbour ; and when the flood made, the ' Wellesley ' anchored 
abreast of the town of Ting-hai; 12 Chinese war-junks ■ 
following from the lower anchorage. 

On her passage the ' Wellesley ' took on board two fisher- 
men to act as pilots. The simple fellows had no idea that 
she was a ship-of-war, and told the crew that their man- 
darins would treat them with kindness, and allow them to 
trade a little. On being informed that the English were 



50 WAR IN CHIXA. 

going to drive away the mandarins, and take possession — 
raising their hands, rath a look of horror, they exclaimed, 
"You cannot! yon cannot." 

The appearance of the harbonr of Chusan is very pic- 
tnresqne ; and both the shore and the heights near the sea 
seemed to be thickly inhabited. The snbnrbs extend some 
way along the water's edge, with a wharf in front of them, 
near which were moored a large number of trading-craft. 

As the British fleet entered the harbour, eleven war-junks 
bore down upon them, but put about and retired as they 
sailed on, ultimately forming a line in front of the trading- 
junks, as if to protect the shore from being invaded. 

On the right was a rugged hill 200 feet high, with a joss- 
house on the summit, where some 800 men were posted, with 
six guns ; while some 30 guns were placed along the wharfs ; 
and on the left was a small Martello tower, mounting eight 
more. 

About 600 troops occupied this space, who, aided by a 
large number of the inhabitants, were busily employed in 
fortifying the ramparts. The ' Conway ' and ' Alligator,' as 
they came in, took up positions in front and flank of the 
hill with the joss-house on the summit. 

The Commodore entertained hopes that the overwhelming 
force of the British would induce the Chinese to yield with- 
out striking a blow. He accordingly sent a summons to the 
Chinese Vice- Admiral, who was present in his junk, by Com- 
mander John Yernon Fletcher, of the * TVellesley,' and Lord 
Yiscount Jocelyn, attended by the Bev. Mr. Ghitzlaff, the 
interpreter, demanding the surrender of the town and island 
within six hours. 

The war-junks, which carry about 50 men each, are easily 
distinguished by their flaunting streamers, red-muzzled 
guns, and painted poops ; that of the Admiral was known 
by its more numerous pennons, and three tigers' heads 
painted on the high stern. Captain Fletcher's party were 
received with perfect civility; and tea was handed to 
them. In half an hour, the Admiral, an old man, arrived ; 



CAPTURE OF CHUSA3T. 51 

and, after some conversation, agreed to go on board the flag- 
snip. On reaching the - Wellesley,' and the objects of the 
expedition being explained to him and his officers, he coin- 
plained of the hardship that the people of that district should 
be made answerable by the English for wrongs they had re- 
ceived at Canton, "We see your strength," he observed, 
" and know that opposition will be madness, but we must 
perform our duty, though we fall in so doing." The Com- 
modore on this, earnestly entreated them to spare an immense 
effusion of blood by yielding at once, and gave them till the 
following morning to consider the matter. 

Their last words, before quitting the ship, were, " If you 
do not hear from us before sunrise, the consequences be 
upon our own heads." We quote partly, from Viscount 
Jocelyn's very interesting account of the affair. During the 
night, by the light of thousands of painted lanterns, one of 
which is carried by every Chinese who moves about after 
dark, crowds were perceived throwing up embankments, and 
placing gingalls and fresh guns in position, while the sound 
of gongs, and other warlike demonstrations, showed that the 
people were resolved not to yield without fighting. " The 
merchant junks were faintly seen through the shades of dark- 
ness, heaving up their heavy anchors, and stealing silently 
through the fleet, laden half-way up their masts, with goods 
and merchaudize ; and crowded with women and children. 
These were allowed to pass, although in their cargoes many 
a captain might have made his fortune." 

As the morning of the 5th dawned, the quays and shore 
appeared lined with troops in considerable force, while, from 
the mastheads, numbers were seen on the plain between the 
suburbs and the city walls. The war-junks were hauled on 
shore, in line, with their rudders unhung, and, in addition to 
the guns before mentioned, presented 34 guns and 45 large 
gingalls. 

At 8 a.m., the signal was hoisted to prepare for action ; 
but the Commodore, anxious to save life, did not give the 
order to engage. 

e 2 



52 WAR Dn t chixa. 

The flood-tide, at noon, brought the mass of the transports 
in ; and the Commodore, hoping that, when the Chinese saw 
the troops preparing to land in full force, they would nego- 
tiate, still waited till 2 p.m., before he began the attack. 
The troops then left the transports, in the boats of the 
squadron, and took up their position in two lines, in rear of 
the men-of-war, to land under cover of their fire. At the 
same time a shot was fired from the ' Wellesley,' at the Bound 
Tower, falling, as was intended, at the foot of it, without 
doing the slightest injury. This shot was instantly answered 
by the whole line of the Chinese defence, and was returned 
with terrible effect by the squadron ; and the crashing of 
timber, falling houses, and groans of men resounded from 
the shore. 

The cannonade lasted but from seven to eight minutes ; 
though a few shots were heard from the junks, which were 
unhurt. When the smoke cleared away, a mass of ruin 
appeared ; and on the place lately alive with men, a few 
wounded only were seen, among whom was the brave old 
Admiral, borne from his ship by a faithful few, with the loss 
of his leg, from a round shot. 

The troops had fled, four junks were knocked to pieces, 
and the battery on the Custom-house wharf was destroyed. 
Before the last shot was fired the right wing of the 18th 
Royal Irish regiment, under the command of Major Adams, 
and the Royal Marines of the squadron, under the command 
of Captain Ellis, of the ' "Welle sley,' forming the advance, 
landed, and were immediately followed by detachments of 
Her Majesty's 26th and 49th regiments of the Madras 
artillery, and sappers and miners, and the Bengal volunteer 
corps, and the remainder of the troops : and at 50 minutes 
past 2 p. M., the British flag floated on the first military 
position in the Chinese empire conquered by Her Majesty's 
forces. On the troops reaching the summit of the Temple 
hill, they discovered an inner town, on the ramparts of which 
appeared numerous banners, and crowds of soldiers beating 
their tom-toms and gongs, and beckoning the English to the 



CAPTUKE OF CHUSAN. 53 

attack, ■ while they opened a fire from their wall-pieces which 
did no damage whatever. The Commodore and Brigadier 
Burrell, fearing from this the dreadful necessity of a breach 
and escalade, resolved not to attack the place till the follow- 
ing day. Fortunately for the cause of humanity, after a few 
shells had been fired into it, the Chinese troops evacuated 
the place during the night, and, with many of the inhabit- 
ants, fled into the country. The civil magistrate, with some 
of his officers, were killed, and the governor of the town 
drowned himself in despair. 

By the fire of the ships, the Commodore expresses his 
thankfulness, in his despatch, that 25 persons only were 
killed, all fighting men. The old Admiral died in a few days 
at Ningpo, after honours had been heaped on him for his 
Jbravery. Though the ships of the squadron were frequently 
struck, no damage of the slightest consequence was done 
to them, and one man of the ' Conway ' only was wounded. 

The Commodore speaks of the zeal and activity of Capts. 
Bethune, Maitland, and Kuper, of Her Majesty's ships 
' Conway,' ' Wellesley,' and ' Alligator ;' Commanders Griffard 
and Fletcher, of the ' Cruiser' and 'Wellesley ;' Lieut. Mason, 
of Her Majesty's brig ' Algerine ;' Mr. Brodie, B. !N\, com- 
manding Her Majesty's troop ship 'Rattlesnake;' and Mr. 
C. E. Hodgkinson, mate, B. N., commanding Her Majesty's 
schooner ' Young Hebe ;' of the Commanders and officers of 
the Honourable East India Company's steam vessels of war, 
' Atalanta' and ' Queen,' as also of every officer, seaman and 
marine in the squadron — remarks that the Boyal Marines 
under Captain Ellis maintained the high character of their 
corps for steadiness and soldier-like good conduct— and he 
thanks Viscount Jocelyn for his readiness on all occasions, 
and expresses his satisfaction at the zeal, intelligence, and 
perseverance of the masters of the transports, and the regu- 
larity of their conduct throughout. 

Chusan being thus easily gained, was held till the 24th of 
February in the following year, when it was evacuated that 
the troops and ships employed in its defence might take a 



54 WAR ES T CHINA. 

part in the hostilities at that time more formally commenced 
against China. On the 7th of July, Admiral Elliot arrived 
at Chusan. On the 10th, a blockade of the China coast was 
established from Ningpo to the mouth of the Keang river. 
Captain Elliot, however, was employed for some time, though 
to little effect, in negotiating with the Chinese, and for this 
purpose entered in a steamer the river Peiho, which flows 
past Peking. A conference was held on shore, August 30th, 
below the town of Tientsing, between Captain Elliot and 
Keshen, the grand Commissioner, who superseded Lin. 
This town is at the head of the Great Canal of China, and 
the chief coinmiuiication for trade with the north, and at its 
mouth was a large fleet of junks, so that had the Chinese 
turned restive, in a few hours the British squadron, by burn- 
ing the town and fleet, might have struck a blow which would 
have speedily brought them to terms. Keshen showed him- 
self a good diplomatist by obtaining time, which the Chinese 
employed in increasing their fortifications. The squadron 
sailed north, and visited the great wall of China, which was 
seen extending for a considerable distance along a plain, and 
terminating in a strongly-fortified town close to the sea. On 
the passage the boats of the 'Pylades* corvette, Captain Anson, 
were on the point of boarding three junks, when as they 
ranged along side one of them, upwards of a hundred men 
who had been concealed started up and commenced firing 
and hurling spears and stinkpots upon the crews. The 
British shoved off to a short distance, with two men killed 
and five wounded, and poured in some well-directed volleys 
which killed half the pirates j the remainder jumping over- 
board, and making for the shore, though many were drowned 
on their way. The other two pirates effected their escape. 

During this time the ' Conway,' Captain Bethune, sur- 
vej^ed sixty miles of the course of the Teang-se-Keang river, 
up which a line-of-battle ship might sail. During the survey, 
Mr. Harvey, a young midshipman of great promise, was sent 
on shore with a party to obtain cattle and vegetables, 
when they were set on by a body of natives. In the fray 



DEFEAT OF CHINESE AT MACAO BARRIER. 55 

one seaman was killed, and Mr. Harvey was so dangerously 
wounded, that he died on the return of his ship to Chusan. 

The ' ALgerine,' 10 guns, Lieut.- Commander Mason, on 
passing the town of Chapoo, a place of great trade with Japan, 
was fired on from a strong fort, mounting a large number of 
guns. He immediately ranged up under the batteries which 
he engaged for three hours, during which time the Chinese 
kept up a heavy fire, and he had almost expended his ammu- 
nition before he silenced them. A mandarin on the ramparts 
showed much courage, by freely exposing himself, and direct- 
ing his soldiers, while the shot from the brig was falling 
round him in all directions. 

The soldiers, kept without employment in Chusan, suffered 
much by the poisonous exhalations from the paddy-fields, 
from the effects of which numbers died, while the seamen of 
the ' Melville,' which was hove down, having got part of her 
keel torn away, perfectly kept their health for the six weeks 
she was under repair. It was a favourite exploit of the 
Chinese to kidnap the English; and Captain Austruther, an 
officer of Madras artillery, was thus carried off while taking 
a survey within a mile of the encampment at Chusan. The 
crew of the ' Kite' wrecked on the coast, and Mrs. Noble, 
the captain's wife, were also captured, but they were all 
ultimately set at liberty on Chusan being given up to the 
Chinese. 

"We now bid farewell to Chusan, and have to describe 
another important exploit performed by Captain Smith. 



CAPTAIN SMITH DEFEATS CHINESE AT THE MACAO BARRIER, 

August 19th, 1840. . 

A Mr. Staunton having been carried away from Macao, as 
Captain Austruther had been from Chusan, Captain Smith, 
senior officer on the station, sent to demand his release from 



56 WAR IX CHDsA. 

the mandarin, commanding the Chinese force at the barriers 
at Macao. This barrier is composed of a wall and ditch, 
with parapets, and had been recently strengthened. It runs 
across the isthmus joining Macao to the mainland, and 
beyond it the Portuguese hare no jurisdiction. The mandarin, 
in reply, agreed to go to Canton to bring back Mr. Staunton, 
but instead, returned with 800 fresh troops. This, in addi- 
tion to rumours he had heard, convinced Captain Smith that 
an attack was intended probably on Macao itself. Taking, 
therefore, the ' Larne' and ' Hyacinth,' with the ' Enterprise' 
steamer, and ' Louisa' cutter, he ran as close up to the barrier 
as the depth of water would allow, and opened a warm fire 
upon the whole of the Chinese works and barracks, which 
was well returned. In about an hour, the fire of the enemy 
being almost silenced, a gun was landed on the beach, which 
effectually raked their position, while a body of marines, 
under Lieut. Maxwell, with some small-arm men from the 
' Druid,' under Lieut. Goldsmith, and about two companies 
of Bengal volunteers, under Captain Shee, 380 men in all, 
disembarked and drove the Chinese with much loss from 
every one of their positions. The guns were spiked, and the 
whole of the troops fled, nor did they ever again occupy the 
barrier. Two junks were sunk, and the rest allowed to 
escape round the opposite point, and the barracks and the 
other buildings were burned. The British having four men 
only wounded, re-embarked, and the ships returned the same 
evening to their former anchorage in Macao Roads. This 
well-timed and important piece of service of Captain Smith's 
was the last hostile movement of the British during the year 
1840. On 6th November, a truce was announced by Admiral 
Elliot, and on the 29th, he resigned his command from ex- 
treme ill health, and returned to England, leaving Sir Grordon 
Bremer as Commander-in-Chief. 



CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS. 57 



CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS, CHUENPEE AND 

TFCOCKTOW, 

January 7 th, 1841. 

The British naval force now consisted of ' Wellesley,' 78, 
Captain Maitland, (bearing the broad pennant of Commodore 
Sir Gordon Bremer) ; ' Blenheim,' 74, Sir W. Le Fleming 
Senhouse ; ' Melville,' 74, Hon. B. S. Dundas ; ' Calliope,' 
Captain Herbert ; ' Samarang,' 28, Captain Scott ; ' Druid,' 
44, Captain Smith :" ' Sulphur' (surveying ship), Commander 
Belcher ; ' Larne,' 18, Commander Blake ; ' Hyacinth/ 18, 
Commander Warren ; ' Modeste,' 18, Commander Eyres ; 
* Columbine,' 18, Commander Clarke ; ' Starling,' Lieut. 
H. Kellett. Steamers, ' Queen,' ' Nemesis,' ' Madagascar,' 
and ' Enterprize.' 

"While negotiations were in progress, an edict was issued 
by the Emperor, ordering that all English ships and English- 
men should be destroyed, whenever encountered in or near 
China ; and, as the Chinese were strengthening their forts, 
and collecting troops in all directions, it was evident they 
intended to try the fortune of war. It was, therefore, 
determined that an attack should be made on Canton itself, 
previous to which, it was necessary to capture the forts at 
the entrance and on the banks of the river. Eor this 
purpose scaling-ladders of bamboo, and a landing-stage for 
disembarking the troops, were constructed, and all prepara- 
tions were speedily made. The entrance of the Canton 
Biver is called the Boca Tigris (the Tiger's Mouth), and on 
the shores on either side, for a considerable distance, are 
constructed a line of forts, which were believed by the 
Chinese to be impregnable ; and from their appearance 
outside, they had been looked upon, even by foreigners, as 



58 war ix chixa. 

of great strength. They are known by the name of the 
Bogue Forts. On first entering the river, two extensive stone 
forts are seen, one on each side ; that on the right or eastern 
side, with two conical eminences towering above it, at the 
extremity of a promontory, is called Chnenpee ; while on the 
left or west side of the river, here three miles wide, on a 
smaller promontory, called Tycocktow, is a line of strong- 
batteries faced with granite, close to the shore. These were 
the forts now to be attacked by the squadron under Sir 
G-ordon Bremer. "We will first give an account of 

THE CAPTTJEE OF CHTTENPEE. 

At eight o'clock on the morning of the 7th of January, 
the Bo3 r al Marines of the squadron under the command of 
Major Ellis, the detachments of the 26th and 49th Beghnents, 
and the 37th Madras Native Infantry and Bengal Volunteers, 
were landed about two miles below Chuenpee, accompanied 
by a detachment of Boyal Artillery, with one 24-pound 
howitzer, and two 6-pound field-guns, together with a 
division of the seamen belonging to the ' Wellesley,' 
' Blenheim,' and ' Melville,' in all about 1,400, under the 
command of Major Pratt of the 26th Cameronians. The 
difficult task of landing and embarking the troops was duly 
managed by Lieut. Symonds of H.M.S. ' Wellesley.' 

The leading troops were the Royal Marines and the 
Royal Artillery, the guns being dragged along by the blue 
jackets, under Lieut. Wilson, of H.M.S. ' Blenheim.' The 
road lay through a winding valley for nearly two miles, until 
a transverse ridge was reached, whence the whole of the 
Chinese works could be viewed. They consisted of a 
strongly-entrenched camp, flanked by small field-batteries, 
and connected with the hill fort above by a high breastwork. 
The object of the Chinese was evidently to protect the rear 
of the fort, which was the key of the position. While the 
guns of the Royal Artillery fired from the ridge, the Marines 
crossing the shoulder of the hills, drove the Chinese from 
it, and then descending into the valley beyond, came upon 



CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS. 59 

a second encampment with a small field battery, which was 
soon cleared. 

The eastern division of the squadron for the attack of 
Chuenpee, placed under Captain Herbert, consisted of 
' Calliope,' ' Lame,' ' Hyacinth,' and steamers * Queen,' and 
' Nemesis.' Commander Belcher, of the ' Sulphur ' (sur- 
veying vessel), had lately arrived on the station, and the 
1 Queen ' and ' Nemesis ' were placed in position by him for 
throwing shells into the upper fort, and soon made an 
impression. The rest of the ships attacked the lower fort 
on the sea face, the ' Samarang,' leading her division in 
gallant style direct for the centre of the battery, and anchor- 
ing Avithin half a cable's length of the walls, followed by the 
' JModeste,' ' Druid,' and ' Columbine,' and in less than an 
hour silenced the guns, although a number of troops remained 
within the walls. By 10 o'clock the troops had carried the 
entrenchments with their field-batteries. Major Pratt 
himself, and two or three marines, were in possession of 
the upper fort, on which they had hoisted the British 
colours. The lower fort was speedily surrounded and 
stormed, by the entrance as well as by the wall, by a party 
of Boyal Marines, and the Union Jack displayed on the 
ramparts. Eleven large war-junks were anchored in shoal 
water in Anson's Bay, to the eastward of the position, and 
as soon as the Marines were seen to enter the upper battery, 
Commander Belcher leading, accompanied by Lieut. Kellett, 
in the ' Nemesis,' Captain Hall with the boats of the 
' Calliope,' under her First Lieut. Watson, pushed on for 
the junks, firing with grape and canister into Lower 
Chuenpee on the way. The ' Nemesis,' drawing not more 
than five and a half or six feet, enabled her to get close up to 
the junks before opening fire, when several well-directed 
guns put them completely into confusion. The first rocket 
forced its way into the magazine of the ship next the 
Admiral, which blew up with a terrific explosion. The boats 
then moved on and set fire to the junks in the lower part of 
the river. Some of them, however, retreating under canvas. 



60 WAR IN CHINA. 

kept up a very spirited fire on the chasing "boats, gallantly 
led by Lieut. Watson of the ' Calliope.' Two ran on shore 
and were destroyed, the rest escaped. Some of the junks 
were hung round with large nets, with which the Chinese 
proposed to catch the British as they came alongside. They 
took the idea from seeing boarding nettings in English ships, 
without knowing their use. Old Admiral Kwan lost the 
red button of his cap, the emblem of his rank, but it was 
found and restored to him by Commander Belcher. It was 
reported that the brave old man sought his death at the 
hands of his foe, but was borne off by his attendants. 
Captain Hall speaks of the able assistance he received 
on this and many other occasions, from Mr. Crouch, a 
gunnery mate of the ' Wellesley,' who was permitted to 
serve on board the ' Nemesis.' Besides the Chinese who 
were shot by the troops as they advanced, a large number, 
not aware that quarter would be granted them, threw them- 
selves from the battlements, or were drowned in attempting 
to swim away. The Commander of the fort was killed at 
the head of his men, and his son, determined not to survive, 
threw himself into the sea and perished. Many were 
burned by their clothes catching fire from their matches, 
aided by their pouches filled with powder. Though the 
larger proportion endeavoured to fly, many fought bravely 
to the last. The guns of all the forts were destroyed, the 
magazines blown up, and the barracks and houses burnt. 

CAPTURE OE TTCOCKTOW. 

"While the affair we have just described was going on on the 
east side of the river, Captain Scott, in the ' Samarang,' 
gallantly led his division against Tycocktow on the west 
side, which commenced its fire at about 20 minutes past 
10 o'clock, but he did not reply till 10 minutes afterwards, 
when he had anchored abreast of it, about 200 yards off, 
as near as the depth of water would allow the ship to 
approach. The ' Modeste,' ' Druid,' and ' Columbine ' an- 
chored in succession, and in a few minutes so destructive 



CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS. 61 

and well directed was the fire of the ships, that with the 
exception of one or two occasionally, all the guns of the 
enemy were silenced. At 20 minutes after 11, a practicable 
breach having been made in the southern end of the fort, the 
boats were manned and armed, and proceeded to storm it. 
Lieutenant Bower, First Lieutenant of the ' Samarang,' im- 
mediately landed, supported by the boats of the ' Modeste,' 
while those of the ' Druid ' and ' Columbine,' under the 
command of Lieutenant Goldsmith, senior of the ' Druid,' 
proceeded to the north end. 

The Chinese attempted to defend the breach, and Lieu- 
tenant Bower was severely wounded by a sabre-cut on the 
knee, but they were speedily driven back by the gallant and 
determined rush onwards of the seamen ; and so appalled 
were the Chinese, that they made a hasty retreat over the hill 
wall, leaving the British masters of the fort. Mr. Luard, on 
this occasion, behaved most gallantly in the breach. 

From the number of wounded lying in every direction 
the loss of the enemy must have been very severe. Their 
wounded having been carried away clear of the fort, the 
whole of the buildings and magazines were blown up, and 
the guns, amounting to 25 longs of different calibre, were 
spiked, the trunnions knocked off, a shot wrapped round 
with wet canvas driven hard home in each, were then 
thrown into the sea, their carriages being burnt. 

DESTBTTCTION OE WAB JTJNKS IN ANSON'S BAY, # 
January 7th, 1841. 

The day on which the forts of Chuenpee and Tycocktow 
were captured, the ' Nemesis ' took a most distinguished 
part in the total destruction of the Chinese squadron of 
war-j links, under the command of Admiral Kwan, which 
completed the discomfiture of the Chinese by sea and by 
land. Some of the boats of the ' Calliope,' ' Hyacinth,' 
' Lame/ l Sulphur,' and ' Starling ' co-operated with her in 

* Particulars from " The Nemesis iu China." 



62 WAR IN CHINA. 

the action, in which Lieutenants Watson and Harrison, and 
other officers of the ■ Calliope ' and ' Larne ' deservedly won 
their laurels. 

At the bottom of Anson's Bay was the entrance of a 
small river, unknown until now, having a small island at its 
mouth, somewhat on the Chuenpee side. Within this, and 
in a measure protected by a sand-bar, which ran out from it, 
lay the Chinese fleet of about 15 war-junks, moored in a 
good position in shallow water, so as to prevent the near 
approach of the British ships. Directions had been given to 
Captain Herbert, of the ' Calliope,' to make arrangements for 
the attack of these war-junks as soon as the defences on 
Chuenpee should have fallen ;■ the moment, therefore, that it 
was perceived on board the l Nemesis,' as she ran up towards 
the lower battery, and poured in her grape and canister, that 
the upper fort had fallen, so that the lower one would not 
longer hold out, she hastened, without a moment's delay, to 
the attack of the enemy's squadron. Pull steam was set 
•on, without waiting to see what other measures might be 
taken elsewhere to effect the object. In her anxiety to se- 
cure the post of honour, the ' Nemesis ' rounded the point 
of Chuenpee a little too close, and struck rather heavily 
upon a rocky reef running out some distance from it, but 
upon which it was thought that there was still Avater enough 
to enable her to float safely. She did indeed pass over it, 
but not without striking ; but her iron frame did not hang 
upon it as a wooden one would probably have done, and she 
proceeded, without even stopping her engines. The force of 
the blow, however, was considerable enough to break the 
outer paddle-ring of one of her wheels, together with two of 
the long arms attached to it, and would probably have more 
seriously damaged a wooden vessel. About this time, Cap- 
tain Belcher, of the ' Sulphur,' joined her, with two of his 
ship's boats, anxious to partake of the honour of the affair. 
A few of the ' Sulphur's ' seamen also came on board. As 
she pushed along, she was also reinforced by Lieutenant 
Kellett, of the ' Starling,' who brought his gig or whale- 



CAPTURE OF THE BOGUE FORTS. 63 

boat, and subsequently did good service by occasionally 
pointing the foremost gun of the ' Nemesis,' at his own re- 
quest, with great precision. 

On approaching the position in which the Chinese junks 
were drawn up, it was perceived to be well chosen, with 
scarcely more than five feet water round the vessels, so that, 
in fact, they could not be attacked in front except by boats ; 
however, the ' Nemesis,' having the great advantage of draw- 
ing less than six feet water, was able to approach near enough 
to bring her two 32-pounder pivot-guns to bear within good 
range. Just at this moment, also a large boat or pinnace of 
the ' Larne,' under the command of Lieutenant Harrison, 
was observed making its way round the outside of the little 
island, with a view to cut off the junks in the rear ; a bold 
manoeuvre, which, as on many similar occasions during the 
war, took the Chinese by surprise, and struck them with a 
wholesome terror, even before they came to close quarters. 
The first Congreve rocket fired from the ' Nemesis ' was seen 
to enter the large junk against which it was directed, near the 
Admiral, and almost the instant afterwards it blew up, with 
a terrific explosion, launching into eternity every soul on 
board, and pouring forth its blaze like the mighty rush of fire 
from a volcano. There was a momentary pause in the con- 
test, both sides seeming appalled by the sudden catastrophe. 
The rocket had penetrated into the magazine of the junk, or 
had ignited some of the loose powder so often scattered 
carelessly about the decks by the Chinese gunners. They 
naturally felt that the same fate might readily befall any of 
the other junks ; and after some discharges of round shot 
had been thrown into the nearest junks (four of them were 
afterwards found lodged in the Admiral's junk), their crews 
were observed endeavouring to escape on shore, some on the 
little island and others upon Chuanpee ; while, at the same 
time, the cables of the junks were cut away by those remain- 
ing on board, in order that they might drift on shore, and 
enable the rest to escape. 

The Chinese hauled down their colours on board their 
junks at about half-past 11 o'clock, but continued firing 



64 WAR IN CHINA. 

afterwards. At about 12 o'clock the "boats of the l Nemesis,' 
in company with the others which were present, put off to 
board the junks. Only two of the smaller ones succeeded 
in getting away up a small branch of the river, while two 
more escaped, for the moment, up another principal branch 
to a large town, but were subsequently captured. Some of 
the junks drifted on shore ; and as there could be no use 
in saving them, they were all successively set on fire, by 
order of Captain Belcher, and ultimately blew up. Alto- 
gether, 11 junks were destroyed on the spot. Scarcely had 
this duty been completed by the different boats engaged, 
when the ' Nemesis ' hastened on up the river, and at the 
distance of about three miles came upon a large town, where 
she found two war-junks moored close to the shore, but 
abandoned by their crews. The consternation of the people 
was extreme, and they were running away from the town in 
all directions. The tide was now beginning to fall ; and 
as the water was not deep, and the bar would soon become 
impassable, and the day was already far advanced, it was 
thought better to return, without exploring the river higher 
up. Taking the two junks in tow, the ' Nemesis ' again 
descended the river ; but one of the junks, getting aground 
on the bar at the entrance, was obliged to be left behind, 
while the other was taken safely down; and soon after 
5 p.m. the ' Nemesis ' joined the squadron off Chuenpee, 
and received the thanks of the Commodore for the services 
she had rendered during the day. She had received no 
important damage, the paddle-box only having been injured 
by a well-directed shot from one of the junks. 

The burning of the junks was a service attended with 
some danger to those employed in it, for the guns on board, 
many of them being still loaded, went off as soon as the fire 
reached them, threatening to do serious damage to the 
' Nemesis ' as she passed near. On the following day the 
principal part of the guns were recovered, altogether upwards 
of 80 in number, of which 8 or 10 were handsome brass 
Portuguese guns, 6, 9, and 12 pounders. 

In the two affairs, 2 military officers and 28 soldiers and 



BOCA TIGRIS FORTS TAKEN. 65 

1 naval officer and 8 seamen were wounded ; 173 guns were 
captured. 

The following day, as the fleet were about to attack the 
fort of Anunghoy, a little boat, with a flag of truce from 
Admiral Kwan, came off, in which were the somewhat curious 
envoys, an old man and a woman, bearing proposals for a 
cessation of hostilities. 

Captain Elliot, ever anxious to save life, entered at once 
into terms with Commissioner Keshen. They were to the 
effect that the island of Hong Kong, situated off the penin- 
sula of Cowloon, within the island of Lama, should be ceded 
to the British, and that in return the forts of Chuenpee and 
Tycocktow should be given up ; and that on Captain An- 
struther, Mrs. Noble, &c, being set at liberty, Chusan 
should be evacuated. Formal possession was accordingly 
taken of ITong Kong on the 26th of January, and the 
' Columbine ' was sent to Chusan to withdraw the troops 
and ship them. 

The Emperor, however, rejecting the conditions agreed to 
by Keshen, who had been superseded, hostilities were once 
more resumed against China on the 23rd February. The 
troops and ships left at liberty by the evacuation of Chusan 
were moved south, and preparations were made to capture 
the remaining forts on the river Canton, an account of which 
events we will now give. 



BOCA TIGRIS FORTS TAKEN BY SIR GORDON BREMER, 
February 28th. 

The ' Nemesis ' waited at the Boca Tigris till the night 
of the 18th for an answer from the Chinese Commissioner ; 
and as she was about to return to the squadron, her boat, 
which had been sent up the river, was fired on from 
North Wantong. Accounts of the warlike preparations 
of the Chinese were also received, and a proclamation ap- 



66 WAR IN CHINA. 

peared, offering 50,000 dollars for the heads of Sir Gordon 
Bremer or Captain Elliot. The Commodore, in consequence, 
seeing that peace could no longer be preserved, instantly 
detached the light division under Captain Herbert, of the 
- Calliope,' who was accompanied by Captain Elliot, to pre- 
vent the Chinese from making further preparations, while 
he, returning to Hong Kong, brought up the line-of-battle 
ships, and ' Queen ' and ' Madagascar ' steamers, followed by 
the ' Druid,' ' Jupiter,' and transports. 

Captain Herbert proceeded on the 22nd on board the 
' Nemesis,' with some boats of the squadron, up a channel 
at the back of Anunghoy. On the way the expedition 
found a line of strong stakes and rafts carried directly across 
the channel ; and while the boats were engaged in clearing 
away the obstruction, a masked battery of 20 guns opened 
on them. Tins was quickly silenced, and the enemy fled, 
leaving 30 dead ; their coloms were taken by Lieut. Bower, 
senior lieutenant of the ' Samarang ;' the guns were de- 
stroyed, and the magazines burnt. 

DESCEIPTICKN" OE AJsWS GHOY A^D WA>~TO:K"G. 

Partly surrounding the old fort of Anunghoy, and in 
advance of it to high-water mark, was a new and well-built 
battery of granite, forming a segment of about two-thirds 
of a circle. On it were mounted 42 guns, some of them of 
immense weight and large calibre ; several strong entrench- 
ments extended to the southward of this battery, and the 
ridges of the hills were crowned with guns, up to a camp 
calculated for about 1,200 men. At the north side was a 
straight work of modern erection, mounting 60 heavy guns. 
About 150 yards of rocky beach intervenes between the end 
of this battery and the northern circular battery, on which 
40 guns were mounted. All the works were protected in 
the rear by a high wall extending up to the hill, on which 
were steps or platforms for firing musketry, and in the 
interior were magazines, barracks, &c. 



BOCA TIGRIS FORTS TAKEN. 67 

On the east end of the island of North "Wantong is a 
battery, with a donble tier of guns defending the passage on 
that side, and also partly flanking a number of rafts con- 
structed of large masses of timber moored across the river 
(about twelve feet apart), with two anchors each, connected 
by and supporting four parts of a chain cable, the ends of 
which were secured under masonry works, one on the South 
Wantong, and the other on Anunghoy. On the western end 
of North Wantong was a strong battery of 40 guns, flanked 
by a field-work of 17 guns, indeed the whole island was one 
continued battery. On the extreme western side of the 
channel was a battery of 22 heavy guns, and a field-work of 
17 protecting an entrenched camp containing 1,500 or 2,000 
men. South "Wantong was not occupied by the Chinese, 
and therefore, as it was an excellent position, a party of the 
British landed on the night of the 25th, and threw up a 
work mounting two 8-inch iron, and one 24-pounder brass 
howitzer, notwithstanding a heavy fire which was kept up on 
them by the Chinese during the greater part of the time they 
were at work. At day-break of the 2Gth, Captain Knowles, 
Royal Artillery, opened this battery with admirable effect, 
throwing shells and rockets into North Wantong, and occa- 
sionally into Anunghoy, which fire the Chinese returned 
with considerable spirit from an opposite battery. 

At eleven o'clock a breeze springing up, the signal was 
made, and the fleet stood in. Captain Sir H. Le Fleming 
Senhouse, of the ' Blenheim,' 74, with the ' Melville,' 74, and 
' Queen' steamer, and four rocket-boats, proceeded to attack 
Anunghoy, while the ' Wellesley,' ' Calliope,' ' Samarang,' 
' Druid,' Herald,' ' Alligator,' and ' Modeste,' were opposed 
to the batteries on the south, south-west, and north-west 
of Wantong, and the forts on the western side of the 
channel. 

The ' Madagascar' and ' Nemesis' steamers were employed 
in landing the troops. 

The hill of Anunghoy was crowned with Chinese troops, 
and their guns began firing as the ships approached, though 

r2 



68 WAE IX CHIXA. 

still beyond range. The ' Blenheim' leading, and followed 
by the ' Melville,' slowly glided on without returning a shot 
till they took up their positions opposite the great battery. 
when they opened their broadsides with terrific effect, while 
the ' Queen' and rocket-boats did their full share in the work 
of destruction. In a short time the batteries being silenced, 
Sir Le Fleming Senhouse perceiving that the enemy were 
shaken, landed at the head of the marines and blue-jackets on 
the southern battery, and speedily drove them in succession 
from that and the two other batteries. During the heat of the 
action, one of the boats of the ' -Melville' got adrift, and was 
being carried by the tide close under the batteries. Com- 
mander Sullivan, supernumerary commander on board, per- 
ceiving this, instantly jumped into his gig, and pulled off to 
recover the boat, in doing which, he was exposed to the close 
fire of the batteries, but he fortunately escaped unhurt, and 
brought the boat back safely to the ship. 

In less than an hour the other division had silenced the 
batteries on "Wantong, and the troops and marines having 
landed in a few minutes, were masters of the island without 
any loss, 1,300 Chinese surrendering themselves prisoners. 

Thus, by one o'clock, the British colours were flying on 
the whole chain of those celebrated works. 

The British had five men wounded slightly in the whole 
force. The main top-mast and fore-yard of the ' Blenheim' 
were shot through, one 32-pounder gun rendered unservice- 
able, several shot in the hull, and the rigging much cut up. 
The ' Melville' had her main top-mast wounded, and rigging 
considerably injured. The ' Calliope' was struck in several 
places, and the other ships had merely a few ropes cut. 

The Chinese loss was computed at 500, in killed and 
wounded, and 339 guns were taken. Many of the Chinese 
officers bravely met their death, and even courted it. Among 
others was the gallant old Admiral Kwan, who fell by a 
bayonet wound in the breast as he attempted to defend the 
gate of Anunghoy, refusing even when summoned to sur- 
render. His body was recognized and claimed bv his family 



DESTRUCTION OF WAR- JUNKS IN WHAMPOA REACH. 69 

the following day, when a salute of minute-guns was fired to 
his honour by the ' Blenheim.' 

About four o'clock a party of the ' Wellesley's' marines, 
under Lieut. Maitland, in her boats, with the boats of the 
' Nemesis,' under Captain Hall and Lieut. Pedder, were sent 
across to capture a fort called Little Tycocktow. The Chinese 
fired on them, and then fled in disorder, the guns were 
spiked, the magazines, &c. set fire to, and their encampment 
blazing up, threw a lurid glare over the scene of slaughter 
and confusion of the day. 



DESTRUCTION OF WAR-JUNKS IN WHAMPOA REACH, 

27th February. 

OjST the morning of the 27th, the light squadron, consisting 
of ' Calliope,' ' Herald,' ' Alligator,' ' Sulphur,' ' Modeste,' 
' Madagascar,' and ' Nemesis,' steamers, under Captain 
Herbert, were sent up the river to destroy any fortifications 
they might meet with. Piloted by Captain Elliot, who, 
from constantly going up and down, had a perfect know- 
ledge of the shoals, they effected the passage without diffi- 
culty, passing Tiger Island and the second bar, and reaching 
the first bar at noon. Prom this position the enemy were 
observed strongly fortified on the left bank of the river close 
to Whampoa Roads. A large mud fort mounted on the 
river front forty-seven guns, on the left flank, three, and a 
field-work four. Extending across the river was a line 
of rafts secured to sunken junks, on the other side of 
which appeared 40 large junks and an old East Indiaman 
called the ' Cambridge,' of 900 tons, armed with thirty -four 
guns, and which carried an Admiral's flag at the main. On 
approaching within three miles, Captain Herbert, accompanied 
by Captain Elliot and Commander Belcher, proceeded with 
the steamers to reconnoitre, and endeavour to find out a 



70 WAR IN CHINA. 

clear passage. On advancing, a heavy fire was opened on the 
steamers, which was immediately returned with great effect. 
The ships were now brought up, the ' Sulphur ' leading, and 
immediately, from a well-chosen position, they opened a 
heavy fire on the junks, the ' Cambridge,' and the batteries. 
In about an hour the fires of their batteries and fleet were 
nearly silenced, when the marines and small-arm men were 
landed, and stormed the works, driving before them upwards 
of 2,000 of the Chinese troops, and killing nearly 300. In 
about half an hour after landing, all the defences were 
carried, though in some places the Chinese behaved with 
unusual bravery and obstinacy, the officers showing much 
courage, one particularly, discharging four arrows at Mr. 
Hall, before he was shot by a marine. In the mean time, 
the boats of the ' Calliope,' ' ]Sfemesis,' and ' Modeste,' were 
sent to attack the ' Cambridge,' but as she was protected by 
the rafts, they could not approach her. Lieut. Watson, First 
of the ' Calliope,' however, having gallantly succeeded in 
dragging one of the boats across the rafts, launched her on 
the other side. Meantime the seamen had kept up a hot 
fire on a body of Chinese collected on the deck of the 
1 Cambridge.' As soon as the boat was in the water, she 
took on board Lieut. "Watson, Mr. Brown, master of the 
' Calliope,' Mr. Hall and Mr. Gralbraith of the ' Nemesis ' 
and Mr. St. Leger, with nine or ten men, and pulled away 
for the ' Cambridge.' So confused were the Chinese, that 
as the boarding party climbed up on the port side, they 
jumped overboard on the other, and many were drowned in 
attempting to swim on shore. Mr. St. Leger, mate of the 
' Calliope,' had the honour of hauling down the Admiral's 
flag. A number of dead and wounded were found on her 
decks, a proof of the good practice of the ships. The Chinese 
had put her in good order for action, fire-buckets were placed 
in readiness on her decks, and everything was clean and 
well arranged. As she was an old ship she was devoted to 
destruction ; and the wounded being carried on shore, and 
every part searched to ascertain that no Chinese remained con- 



DESTRUCTION OF WAR-JUNKS IN WHAMPOA REACH. 71 

cealed on board, at five o'clock she was set on fire. In a little 
more than an hour, the flames reaching the magazine, she 
blew up with a terrific explosion, the sound of which must 
have reached the walls of Canton, and struck terror into 
the hearts of the inhabitants. The junks, meantime, had 
escaped up the river, and the rafts prevented the ships from 
pursuing them. 

Lieut. Stransham, commanding Royal Marines of ' Calliope/ 
directed and arranged the marines of the squadron, supported 
by Lieut. C. C. Hewett, E. M. of ' Herald,' and Lieut. 
Hayes Marriott, E. M. of ' Alligator,' and used his best 
endeavours to repress the destruction of life after resistance 
had ceased. 

In the whole affair one seamen was killed, and six seamen 
and two marines were wounded. The great raft across the 
river, which had cost the Chinese a large sum of money 
extracted from the Hong merchants, was with much labour 
cleared away on the following day, and a passage was thus 
opened for the squadron to proceed up to Whampoa. As 
soon as intelligence of this affair reached Sir Grordon Bremer, 
he set off to join the advanced squadron, taking with him 
the marines of the ' Wellesley/ and a hundred seamen under 
Captain Maitland. The marines of the ' Blenheim,' ' Mel- 
ville/ and ' Druid/ followed with a number of boats well 
armed. 

The ' Queen ' steamer also towed up the ' Eagle ' trans- 
port, and the ' Madagascar ' towed up the ' Sophia ' trans- 
port. 



72 WAR IN CHINA." 



CAPTURE OF MASKED BATTERY BY LIEUT. SYMONDS, R.N., 

COMMANDER BELCHER, H.M.S. f SULPHUR,' COMMANDING, 

March 1st. 

The ' Nemesis ' having been sent to explore a branch of the 
Canton River, called the Jurak, a large body of Chinese 
were observed collecting near a fort named Howqua's 
Folly, and it was also discovered that a line of stakes was 
driven across the stream. The Commodore despatched the 
'Sulphur,' Commander Belcher, with three boats of the 
' Wellesley,' under the command of Lieutenant Symonds, 
the First-lieutenant of that ship, on the following morning, 
to proceed with the examination. 

On rounding a point on the right bank, they came in front 
of a low battery of 25 guns, masked by thick branches 
of trees, which opened a heavy fire on them. Lieutenant 
Symonds instantly ordered the boats to pull towards the 
shore, and gallantly dashing into the battery, drove the 
enemy before him and killed several of their number. 

The ' Sulphur * anchored, and a few shot from her com- 
pelled a body of the enemy who had taken shelter in some 
thick underwood in the vicinity to fly. The guns were 
destroyed, and the magazine and other consumable materials 
were set on fire. The number of troops, who were of the 
chosen Tartars, was about 250, and their loss was from 
15 to 20 killed. The British lost one seaman of the 
c Wellesley ' killed, and the boats were repeatedly struck by 
grape-shot. 



CAPTURE OF HOWQUA'S FORT. 



FURTHER ADVANCE OF SQUADRON, AND CAPTURE OF 
HOWQUA'S FORT, 

March 5th. 

As soon as a cursory survey of the river was made, the 
' Herald,' ' Alligator,' ' Modeste,' and ' Eagle,' and ' Sophia' 
transports were pushed forward within gun-shot of How- 
qua's fort, and thus, for the first time, were British ships 
seen from the walls of Canton. 

On the 2nd of March, the ' Cruiser' arrived, having on 
board Major- General Sir Hugh Glough, who took command 
of the land forces. About this time, the ' Pylades,' ' Blonde,' 
' Conway,' and ' Mmrod,' with transports conveying troops 
from Chusan, arrived in the Canton Eiver, much increasing 
the British force. 

Howqua's fort, on the right bank of the river, had a large 
number of guns mounted on it, and it was further protected 
by stakes with junks sunk between them, and a strong raft 
placed across the stream. The most conspicuous object on 
it was a joss-house projecting into the stream. On the 
5th, Sir Hugh G-ough, leading the marines and a detachment 
of the 20th, landed at the joss-house, to attack it, while the 
ships weighed and dropped up with the tide. On the ap- 
proach of the first ship, the enemy fired all their guns and 
fled across the rafts and in boats. 

The British colours were then hoisted. 

At noon, the Kwang-Chow-Eoo or Prefect of Canton, ac- 
companied by the Hong merchants, came down entreating 
for a cessation of hostilities, and saying, that as Keshen was 
degraded, and no one had arrived to supply his place, there 
was no government authority to treat for peace. On this, 
Sir Hugh Gough and Sir GL Bremer, at the request of Capt, 
Elliot, agreed not to advance further ; but, in a short time 



74} WAR IN CHINA. 

information was received that the Chinese were more busy 
than ever constructing fire-rafts, in raising fortifications, 
and in carrying their valuables out of the city, while 
the people were prohibited from taking supplies to the 
squadron. 

"While such was the state of things, two affairs took place 
which we must recount. 



CAPTURE OF MACAO FORT, 
March 13th. 

The Macao fort is situated about 10 miles from the anchor- 
age of Whanipoa, up a narrow and intricate channel, which 
ends in the broadway or Macao passage from Canton. This 
was the last remaining fort protecting the approaches to the 
city of Canton. As by its capture, the British would obtain 
the command of the river both above and below the city, 
while the citizens would have to depend on their mercy for 
their daily food, the ' Modeste,' ' Starling,' ' Sulphur,' and 
' Madagascar,' with the boats of the squadron, under Captain 
Herbert, were despatched by the Commodore to take it. 
The Chinese were devoting the whole of their attention to 
strengthening this important post, and had rendered it one 
of the strongest which had been encountered. They had 
also constructed rafts across the river on both sides of the 
fort, strengthened by piles and sunken junks, and flanked 
by a sand-battery mounting eight guns. 

The ' Sulphur ' was unable to get up the narrow passage. 
The ' Modeste,' Commander Eyres, was brought to an 
excellent position within 600 yards of the fort, towed by the 
* Madagascar,' which was cleverly piloted by Lieutenant 
Collinson. Captain Kuper, and Commanders Barlow, Gif- 
fard, Anson, and Clarke, volunteered their services, and gave 
much assistance throughout the affair. The boats were 



PASSAGE FROM MACAO TO WHAMPOA FORCED. 75 

Tinder the directions of Captain Bethune, and the marines 
were commanded by Lieutenant Stransham, assisted by 
Lieutenants HeAvitt, Marriott, and Polkinghorne, who 
acquitted themselves with the customary gallantry of their 
corps. The ' Modeste ' and ' Madagascar ' steamers, with 
the boats of the squadron, commenced the attack about 
5 p.m. ; the Chinese keeping up a well-directed and ani- 
mated fire till the English were under the walls, and in the 
act of storming, when they gave way and fled in all di- 
rections; the whole of their works being thus carried in 
about half an hour. Their loss was not known. The 
casualties of the British were — three wounded. 

Captain Herbert speaks in commendation of Mr. Dicey, 
commander of the ' Madagascar,' and Lieut. Eowlis, of the 
Madras artillery. 



BROADWAY PASSAGE FROM MACAO TO WHAMPOA FORCED, 
March 14th. 

The Chinese firmly believed that the inner passage from 
Macao to Whampoa was perfectly impenetrable to foreigners. 
To assist in humbling their pride, Captain Elliot wished to 
have it forced; and Captain Scott, senior officer in Macao 
Roads, agreeing with him, made preparation for carrying it 
into effect. 

At three a.m. on the 13th, Captain Scott, taking with him 
the small-arm men and marines of the * Samarang,' went on 
board the ' Nemesis,' which, towing the ' Samarang' s ' pin- 
nace, mounting two twelve-pound carronades, cutter, six- 
oared gig, four-oared gig, and the * Atalanta's ' pinnace, 
mounting two twelve-pound howitzers, got under weigh 
from Macao Roads, and proceeded over the flats between 
Twee-lieu-shaw and Toi-koke-tow Islands, on the Broadway 
River. 

At eight a.m. they came in sight of Macao fort, and the 



76 war m CHINA. 

steamer having taken up an infilading position, where not a 
gun of the enemy could bear upon her, opened her fire, while 
the boats proceeded to the attack. On their approach the 
Chinese abandoned the place. Thirteen guns were found 
mounted, which were completely destroyed, the buildings 
set fire to, and a train laid to the magazine, which exploded 
before the boats returned to the ' Nemesis.' 

On reaching Point How-Hoak-Tow, the river is divided 
into two channels — that to the right takes a sudden sharp 
turn, and becomes very narrow. Here was discovered the 
lately constructed field-battery of Tai-yat-kok, strongly 
posted on rising ground on the left bank of the river, sur- 
rounded by overflowed paddy-fields, which infiladed the 
whole line of the reach leading to it. As the steamer ap- 
peared round the point, the enemy opened an animated fire 
upon her, which was smartly kept up. It was most effectually 
returned by the two guns from the ' Nemesis,' which vessel 
threw her shot, shells, and rockets, admirably directed by 
Mr. Edward Crouch, gunnery mate of the ' "Wellesley,' whose 
firing Captain Scott describes as perfect rifle practice. The 
boats advanced under the slight cover of the bank ; but before 
a landing could be effected on their flanks, the enemy aban- 
doned the guns, when the attacking party, passing in single 
files by a narrow pathway, took possession of the work. The 
boats, after destroying a military depot and chop-house on 
the opposite side of the river, returned on board. Ascending a 
little way, nine war-junks were caught sight of, to which chase 
was given. Just afterwards a fort, called Houchung, was seen 
on the left side, from which strong stakes had been driven 
across the river. The junks headed towards the stakes, and 
the last had passed through, and the opening was again closed 
before the boats got up. The enemy then set an example of 
hostility, by firing from the fort and junks now under sail, 
which was replied to by the ' Nemesis ' with good effect. 
Meantime the boats opened a passage through the stakes, 
one division dashing on to attack the fort, and the other, 
gallantly led by Lieut. Bower, against the junks. The first 



PASSAGE FROM MACAO TO WHAMPOA FORCED. 77 

party, by wading the ditch and entering the embrasures, 
secured the fort. The crews of the war-junks, on seeing the 
fall of the fort, became so panic-struck on the approach of 
the boats, that seven got on shore, the people jumping over- 
board as they grounded — two junks only escaping. In passing 
on to cut them off, Lieut. Bower was fired on by another 
fort, called Tie-shu-kok, which he immediately attacked and 
took. During this time Mr. Hall got the ' Nemesis ' through 
the stakes, and after the fort and junks were burnt, the two 
other junks were again chased : 21 guns were destroyed in 
the forts, and 28 in the junks. At half-past three the large 
trading town of Heong-shan was reached, built on either side 
of the river. The houses and streets were crowded with 
people, looking on at the steamer, and hundreds of trading- 
junks and other crafts were packed close together along the 
quays, and full of people. The steamer passed on without 
injuring any one, the inhabitants appearing to be most peace- 
ably disposed, nor in any way afraid. This state of feeling 
had arisen from the efforts of Captain Elliot, and Mr. Mor- 
rison and Mr. Thorn, the interpreters, who had taken every 
means in their power to convince the people that the British 
were making war on the government and the soldiers, and 
not on them. Several mandarin boats, however, fled; but 
very soon one of the war-junks was run on shore, her crew, 
who jumped overboard, finding that they could not escape 
the steamer. She was at once boarded and blown up. 
Directly afterwards another masked battery at Sheongchap 
was discovered, stormed, and destroyed, by the boats' crews 
of the ' Samarang.' It now being six o'clock, the channel 
very narrow, and the water shallow, the ' Nemesis ' anchored 
for the night. 

At daylight on the morning of the 14th, the steamer 
weighed and proceeded through a channel not broader than 
her own length, grounding occasionally, and at 7*50 reached 
the village and fort of Hong-how. The latter fired, was 
stormed, the troops fled, and it was blown up. After the crews 
had toiled incessantly for four hours, aided by the natives, who 



78 WAE IN CHINA. 

willingly offered their services, a strong line of stakes was 
removed, and the ' Nemesis ' proceeded, taking only one fort 
dnring the day, and anchored at six p.m. for the night. 
Continuing her course at daylight, the ' Nemesis ' reached 
the large village of Tamchow, where a number of soldiers 
appeared, who were dispersed ; and afterwards she reached 
the town of Tsenei, near which were three abandoned forts, 
and where she destroyed the custom-house, as well as a 
man-of-war junk, mounting seven guns, which the crew aban- 
doned at her approach. At four p. m. the ' Nemesis,' after 
passing some very beautiful country, reached "WTiampoa, 
having destroyed, in conjunction with the boats, five forts, 
one battery, two military stations, and nine war-junks, in 
which were 115 guns and 8 gingals. 

During the whole expedition three seamen of the ' Samarang' 
only were slightly wounded. Captain Scott speaks in high 
terms of Mr. Hall, B. N., commanding the ' Nemesis ;' of 
Lieut. "William Pedder, E.N., her chief officer ; of Mr. Crouch, 
gunnery mate ; and of Captain Larkins, late of the Hon. East 
India Company's service, who acted as a volunteer ; also of 
Lieut. Bowyer, Eirst of ' Samarang ;' Lieut. Maitland ; Act- 
ing Lieut. Lysaught ; and Lieut. G-ordon, of the marines ; as 
well as Messrs. Noble, Parkhurst, Luard, Armitage, mates ; 
Mr. Tucker, second master ; and Dr. Mackay, assistant 
surgeon. 

By the expedition the Chinese learned that the British 
could pass through their inner waters, notwithstanding any 
impediment they might be able to throw in their way. 



CAPTURE OF FORTS OF CANTON. 79 



CAPTURE OF FORTS OF CANTON AND CHINESE FLOTILLA, 

March 18th, 1841. 

While the advanced squadron were at anchor off Whampoa, 
Captain Elliot despatched the ' Nemesis ' with a letter, to be 
delivered at the first convenient spot to the Chinese authori- 
ties. Captains Herbert, Bourchier, and Bethune, and other 
officers, were on board. "With a flag-of-truce flying, she 
approached a fort, called the Birds-nest Fort, off which was 
a large flotilla of junks, while a line of rafts crossed the river. 
Captain Bethune, having undertaken to deliver the letter, 
pushed off in a boat with a white flag flying, when a shower 
of grape-shot was discharged at her from the fort. The 
* Nemesis ' fired in return, but did not destroy the fort, 
Captain Herbert being anxious to consult with Captain 
Elliot before carrying hostilities further. The Chinese, in 
consequence, boasted that they had driven away " a devil 
ship," and the Commandant received a peacock feather as a 
reward for his courage. 

The result of Captain Herbert's consultation with Captain 
Elliot was that he resolved instantly to punish the Chinese 
for the insult offered to the British flag by taking Canton 
itself. Preparations were accordingly made. The vessels 
employed were ' Modeste,' Commander Eyres ; ' Algerine,' 
Lieut. Mason ; ' Starling,' Lieut. Kellett ; Herald, Captain 
Mas (later in the day) ; l Hebe ' and ' Louisa,' tenders, Mr. 
Quin and Mr. Carmichael ; steamer, ' Nemesis,' Mr. Hall, 
E.N. ; ' Madagascar,' Mr. Dicey. There was also a flotilla 
of nearly 40 boats, under command of Captain Bourchier, 
assisted by Captain Bethune. They were in four divisions, 
three under the immediate orders of Commanders Barlow 
and Clarke, and of Lieut. Coulson of the ' Blonde,' and a 
fourth jointly of Commanders Warren and Belcher, who 



80 WAS IX CHINA. 

were on board the ' Hyacinth,' which, with ranch perse- 
verance, was got through the intricate passes of the river. 
The latter force was placed at the southern entrance of the 
river communicating with the main stream at Eatee, to meet 
any retrograde movement of the numerous flotilla that had 
taken part in the aggression on the 16th. Upwards of 
50 naval officers embarked in the boats to take a share in 
the work of the day. A number of smugglers, it was said, 
had been promised their pardon for assisting the Govern- 
ment, and their boats were found drawn up across the mouth 
of the Macao passage. The Chinese had also equipped a 
number of gun-boats after European models, so that it was 
expected the British flotilla would have ample employment. 
About noon the ' Xemesis,' ' Modeste,' and t Madagascar,' 
having bombarded the Birds-nest Eort and another beyond 
it, which were taken possession of by their boats' crews, 
moved on to the attack of Canton. In the mean time the 
' Starling ' and ' Algerine ' forced a way through the rafts, 
followed by the ' Hebe ' and ' Loiusa,' which, with part of 
Captain Bourchier' s flotilla, attacked and captured a strong 
sand-bag battery, and put to flight a number of war-junks 
and armed boats. A strong fort opposite the city was next 
silenced, and afterwards taken by Commander Belcher and 
Lieut. Pedder. 

The ' Nemesis ' then pursued a large flotilla up the river ; 
and Commanders Belcher and Warren, with their division 
of boats, having got through the Fatee Creek, came suddenly 
on them, and destroyed a large number. 

Meantime the ' Modeste ' was placed within 300 yards in 
front of the principal battery, flanked by the guns of the 
' Madagascar ' and ' ^Nemesis.' After they had engaged the 
batteries for about an hour, the flotilla, with the marines 
under Captain Bourchier, was brought up in admirable order, 
and, upon the signal being given, stormed and completed 
the capture of the enemy's works, notwithstanding a most 
determined resistance on the part of the Tartar troops. 
Captain Bourchier was employed in keeping the boats' crews 



CAPTURE OF FORTS OF CANTON. 81 

together to repress any outbreak of the population ; and he 
observing a number of burning junks drifting down on the 
suburbs of Canton, which would inevitably have set fire to 
the city, by the most energetic exertions of his officers and 
men they were towed away from the spot. 

By much labour the ' Herald,' Captain Mas, was got over 
the flats later in the day, and by her more imposing appear- 
ance contributed to bring the Chinese to reason. The Com- 
modore also arrived in his gig in time to see the British 
colours hoisted on the flagstaff of the factory by Commander 
Belcher, they having been just before waved from one of the 
windows by Mr. Hall as a sign that the place was in posses- 
sion of the British. The rest of the day was employed in 
destroying several junks, which had escaped in different direc- 
tions, and in taking possession of several forts. In two or 
three instances, after all opposition had ceased, bodies of 
soldiers rushed out and attacked the English, but were 
quickly driven among the narrow lanes, where it was thought 
imprudent to follow them. Thus the second city of China 
fell into the hands of the British, with the loss only of seven 
men wounded. Among them was Lieut. Stransham, of the 
Marines, who was much burnt by the explosion of a maga- 
zine, but refused to quit his post. The Chinese lost 400 men 
in killed and wounded, and 123 guns were captured. As 
soon as the forts were taken, Captain Elliot hoisted a flag- 
of-truce, and entered into an agreement with the Chinese 
High Commissioner for the suspension of hostilities, and for 
opening the trade to the British. 

It is foreign to our plan to discuss the advantage of the 
proceedings ; but at all events it is another proof of Captain 
Elliot's anxiety to prevent the unnecessary effusion of blood, 
and to convince the Chinese that the sole object of the British 
was to bring their Government to reason, and to induce them 
to trade on just and equal terms, and to behave according 
to the customs of civilized nations. 

Trade was, therefore, again opened, and went on for some 
time with great activity ; but doubts and suspicions soon 



82 WAK IN CHINA. 

arose, and in a few weeks it became necessary to repeat the 
lesson before given. In the mean time Sir Gordon Bremer 
sailed for Calcutta to report the state of affairs. 



CHINESE ATTEMPT TO DESTROY BRITISH SHIPS WITH FIRE 
RAFTS, 

May 21st, 1841. 

Notwithstanding the truce, the Chinese were endeavour- 
ing to rebuild their fortifications, three Tartar Generals 
arrived at Canton with orders to exterminate the British, 
and junks were fitting out and fire-rafts were forming to 
carry their plans into effect ; indeed it became certain that 
some plan of treachery was in contemplation. On this, 
Captain Elliot, and a party of marines with him, withdrew 
from the British Factory, followed by all British subjects, 
and the flag of England was again lowered at Canton. 

An advanced squadron under Captain Herbert was lying 
off Canton, consisting of the ' Modeste,' ' Pylades,' ' Ne- 
mesis,' ' Louisa,' and ' Aurora/ and a little lower down were 
the ' Herald ' and ' Calliope.' The evening of the 21st was 
very gloomy and the night unusually dark. Every one was 
impressed with a feeling that something was about to happen. 
Double sentries were placed on board the ships, the men were 
ordered to lie down equipped ready for service, the officers 
themselves in their cloaks on deck, and the ' Nemesis ' kept 
her fires lighted, so that her steam might be got up in a few 
minutes. The ' Modeste,' being a little in advance, one of her 
sentries observed several large dark-looking masses dropping 
down with the stream. On his hailing, they were immedi- 
ately set on fire by the Chinese on board, and the flames burst- 
ing forth, pointed out the danger to the other vessels. In nine 
minutes the ' Nemesis ' had her steam up, and was running 



ATTEMPT TO DESTROY BRITISH SHIPS. 83 

towards the fire-rafts, to assist the boats of the squadron 
engaged in towing them away. Fortunately the plans of the 
Chinese were disconcerted by this premature discovery. Out 
of a hundred not more than a dozen were ignited and sent 
against the ships, and numbers of these drifted on shore, some 
of which set the suburbs of the city on fire. While the burn- 
ing rafts were drifting about, lighting up the ships and the 
town and the troops on shore with their Tartar officers en- 
couraging them to fight, their own crews were endeavouring 
to make their escape from the blazing machines. These 
rafts were formed of boats chained together, so that, drifting 
down with the stream, they might hang across the bows of 
a ship, and would with much difficulty have been cleared had 
they once got there. Meantime the Chinese batteries opened 
on the squadron, which did not fail to return their fire with 
much effect, while the small-arm men picked off the people 
on the fire-rafts. The Chinese brought down a gun and 
planted it within good range of the ' Louisa ' and * Aurora/ 
and might have blown them out of the water had not their 
crews, by veering and hauling on their cables, baulked the 
Chinese gunners, and they thus escaped with little damage. 
In the morning the Shameen battery was taken, and 43 war- 
junks and 32 fire-rafts were destroyed, besides which, a de- 
sirable landing-place was discovered, by which the troops 
might disembark, and advance towards the heights of Canton. 
During these operations Mr. Hall performed a gallant act, 
which probably saved the lives of Captains Elliot and Her- 
bert, and all standing near. A Congreve rocket had been 
placed in a tube, and ignited when it hung within it, instead 
of flying out. In another moment it would have burst, 
scattering destruction around, when Mr. Hall thrust liis arm 
into the tube and forced it out from behind. The rush of 
fire, however, severely burnt his hand, and caused him much 
suffering. It was long indeed before he recovered the use of 
his hand. We mention it as a worthy act of presence of 
mind and courage. 

"While the advanced squadron was attacked with fire-rafts 

g2 



84 WAR IN CHINA. 

off Canton, a similar attempt was made on the same night, 
to destroy the ' Alligator, ' Captain Kuper, anchored offHow- 
qua's Folly. The rafts were floating up with the flood-tide, 
from a point not expected, when they were discovered. The 
' Alligator * was anchored in a confined position, with a line 
of Nankin junks and stakes astern, so that she could not 
slip ; but by steering the ship some of them were avoided ; 
while her First Lieutenant, Stewart, and Messrs. Wool- 
combe and Baker, mates, by their activity in the boats, 
towed the others clear. Some passed within ten yards of 
the bows, while a number of Chinese were collected on 
shore, probably to destroy any of the crew escaping from the 
ship, had she been burnt. 

Three nights afterwards the ' "Wellesley,' anchored at the 
Bogue, was attacked by 20 fire-vessels, chained in twos and 
threes, with gunpowder and a variety of combustibles on 
board. A large number of her crew and oflicers were absent 
with the advanced squadron, under Captain Maitland, and it 
was not without great exertion that Commander Fletcher, 
having only three boats left behind, was able to tow them 
clear of the ship. 



CAPTURE OF CANTON, 
May 23rd to 30th. 

In consequence of the hostile proceedings we have described 
of the Chinese, Sir Hugh G-ough, in conjunction with Sir Le 
Fleming Senhouse and Captain Elliot, Her Majesty's Pleni- 
potentiary, resolved forthwith to attack Canton. An expe- 
dition to Amoy, which had been in contemplation, was 
consequently given up. One of the first steps taken was to 
secure a sufficient number of boats to land the troops at 
once, and this object was speedily effected by Commanders 
Belcher, of the ' Sulphur,' and Barlow, of the ' Nimrod,' 



CAPTUKE OF CANTON". &d 

an ample supply of boats of all shapes, rigs, and sizes, 
being collected. The 24th was fixed on for the attack, as 
it was the birthday of Her Majesty. On the 23rd Sir Le 
Fleming Senhouse and Sir Hugh Gough, having made a re- 
connoissance, everything was ready. The British force con- 
sisted of the following ships and vessels : — ' Wellesley/ at 
Boca Tigris, sent up her marines and 100 seamen. Macao 
first division, ' Blenheim/ ' Blonde,' i Sulphur/ c Hyacinth,' 
' Nimrod/ ' Modeste,' ' Pylades,' ' Cruiser, ' Columbine/ ' Al- 
gerine/ ' Starling/ and ' Atalanta/ and ' Nemesis ' steamers. 

In the "Whampoa division, under Captain Herbert, were 
' Calliope/ ' Conway/ ' Herald/ ' Alligator.' In the above 
ships and vessels were, including officers, seamen, and 
marines, about 3,200 men ; of whom, about 1,000, including 
marines, landed to serve with the army. The land force 
under Sir Hugh GTough, numbered about 2,223. 

The troops were embarked in two columns. The right 
column under the command of Major Pratt, was ordered to 
hold the factories, and was taken up by the ' Atalanta ' 
steamer. The left, which comprised the main body of the 
army, and which was directed to carry the heights above the 
city, was divided into four brigades. It was embarked in 
the strange collection of native craft collected by Commander 
Belcher. This primitive-looking fleet of transports, towed 
by the ■ Nemesis,' reached the landing-place of T-smg-poo 
about dark, without having experienced the slightest obstruc- 
tion on the way from the Chinese. Commander Belcher had 
already got the ' Sulphur ' there, and had taken possession of 
a number of temples for the accommodation of the troops. 

This landing-place of T-sing-poo is on the banks of a 
creek which circles round the west of the city, and is so 
situated that the troops could march up directly to the 
heights it was intended they should occupy above the city. 

The city and its suburbs occupy the entire space between 
the hills and the river. The city is surrounded by a high 
wall about six miles in circumference, and is again divided 
by a wall into two unequal parts called the old and new 



86 WAR IN CHINA. 

town, of which the latter is the smallest. The suburbs are 
as extensive as the city itself, and on the south extend to the 
water's edge. In the west corner are situated the foreign 
factories. The walls extend to the brow of the hills, and 
indeed there is a hill of some height within them. Four 
strong forts, mounting altogether 42 guns, and a great num- 
ber of gingals and wall-pieces, crowned the heights above the 
city. 

Opposite the city was the naval arsenal: to the east 
the French fort, and to the west, opposite the factories, 
the Dutch fort. 

Considerably to the west, at the bend of the river, is the 
Shameen fort. 

"We must now describe the proceedings of the attacking 
force. The land force was commanded by Sir Hugh G-ough 
in person, and he was accompanied by Sir Le Fleming Sen- 
house, to whom Commander Belcher acted as aid-de-camp. 
The naval brigade, consisting of 430 officers and men, was 
directed to act with the troops. It was under the orders of 
Captain Bourchier, and was divided into two battalions 
commanded by Captain Maitland and Commander Barlow. 
The troops advanced towards the heights over very difficult 
and broken ground, up which they had to drag their guns 
with much labour ; the heat also was excessive, and many 
suffered from it. As the troops advanced, the Chinese 
receded before them, though the forts kept up a spirited fire 
on their columns ; but without a moment's delay they were 
stormed by the troops and seamen, and then in little more 
than half an hour after the advance had been sounded, the 
British flag waved on all the heights which overlooked the 
city. While the troops were attacking the forts assigned to 
them, the blue-jackets carried the two western batteries, 
called by the Chinese the fortresses of Perpetual Bliss and 
Everlasting Security. They were much exposed in their 
advance ; and unfortunately Lieutenant Fox and Mr. Kendal, 
mate, both of the ' Mmrod,' each lost a leg, the former of 
whom died the same evening under amputation. Several 



CAPTURE OF CANTON. 87 

seamen were also wounded. An intrenched camp outside 
the north-east gate was next attacked and carried in gallant 
style. 

"While these affairs were taking place on the height, the 
Chinese in great force attacked the joss-house at the land- 
ing-place, where a small body only of troops had been 
stationed to protect the stores, guns, &c. The moment the 
attack was perceived, the ' Nemesis ' and ' Starling' opened 
their fire, under cover of which, Mr. Hall, from the ' Ne- 
mesis,' and Mr. Gross, from the ' Sulphur,' landed with a 
party of officers and seamen, and boldly attacked the 
Chinese in front. The blue-jackets quickly drove them 
back into the town with the loss of three field-pieces and 
30 men killed, while several houses under which they had 
attempted to rally were set on fire. 

While these affairs were taking place on shore, the ad- 
vanced squadron before the river front of the city, were not 
idle. 

"We will first describe the operations of Commander 
"Warren's division. The ' Hyacinth' and 'Mmrod' first 
attacked the Shameen battery, in order to cover the landing 
of the 26th regiment from the { Atalanta ' at the factories, 
while the ' Modeste,' ' Cruiser,' and ' Columbine,' took up a 
position to bombard the Dutch Polly fort, and to enfilade 
the line of batteries lately thrown up in front of the city, 
to the eastward of that fort. 

As soon as the ships had taken up their position, the 
Chinese set three fire-vessels adrift; but though a strong tide 
brought them rapidly down towards the fleet, the boats, by 
pushing off instantly, were able to tow them clear of 
the ships and to carry them on shore, when they set fire to 
the suburbs. The factories being deserted, the troops were 
landed without obstruction. That service being accom- 
plished, the ' Algerine,' Lieutenant Mason, proceeded to at- 
tack a fort to the eastward ; which instantly opening a hot 
fire on the brig, the boats of the ' Hyacinth,' under Lieut. 
Stewart and Mr. Barclay, mate, with the c Modeste' s,' Mr. 



88 WAR IN CHINA. 

Fitzgerald, mate ; ' Cruiser's,' Lieutenant Haskell, and Mr. 
Drake, mate ; ' Pylades',' Lieutenant Hay, and ' Colum- 
bine's,' Lieutenants Hamilton and Helpman, and Mr. Mills, 
mate, were sent to lier support. They at once pushed for 
the shore under a heavy fire from 11 guns, musketry, and 
gingals, and stormed the fort, which the Chinese defended 
with much gallantry. Mr. Fitzgerald fell mortally wounded, 
and several seamen were killed and wounded, but the 
fort was captured and all the guns spiked. Lieutenant 
Moorshead, First of the ' Hyacinth,' whose gallantry was 
highly praised by Commander "Warren, was wounded in 
a personal engagement with a mandarin. Mr. Dolby, 
mate, and Mr. Higgs, second master of the ' Algerine,' also 
behaved with great courage and steadiness. 

Captain Herbert, accompanied by Captain Bethune, 
meantime, was proceeding up the river with the boats and 
marines of the ' Calliope,' ' Conway/ and ' Herald,' when, 
on passing the French fort, they were assailed by so hot a 
fire, one shot passing through Captain Herbert's boat, that 
they were compelled to remain under cover till dark. At 
2 a.m., by a preconcerted signal with Captain Bethune, 
who had one division of the boats, they pulled up together 
to the arsenal, which they attacked and carried. The next 
morning Captain Eyres, by great exertions, got the ' Modeste' 
over the bar, and no other vessel being able to join her, with 
the exception of the ' Algerine,' the ' Atalanta ' having 
grounded, Captain Herbert fitted three of the captured 
junks with shell-guns, and placed them under the com- 
mand of Lieuts. Haskell and Hay, seniors of the ' Cruiser ' 
and ■ Pylades.' This force opened a hot fire on the French 
fort, which the enemy returned with some courage, but 
being speedily silenced, and a few well-directed broadsides 
clearing the beach, the signal was given to advance. On 
this, Captain Bethune landed with the storming party, and 
the fort was carried in the most gallant^tyle. The whole 
line of defence, extending about two miles from the factory, 
which, with the exception of the French fort, had lately 



CAPTURE OF CANTON. 89 

been constructed in the strongest manner, was destroyed, 
and a free communication was opened with the ships at 
Napier's fort. 

Twenty-four large war-junks were captured in the arsenal, 
and the same number of row-boats of large size, besides a 
quantity of timber, gun-carriages, and stores, while 64 guns 
were destroyed. 

Captain Herbert speaks highly of Captain Bethune, 
Commanders Warren, Griffard, and Eyres ; Lieuts. Mason, 
Shute, Haskell, Hay, Watson, Beadon, Coryton, Collinson, 
Morshead, Hayes, and Hamilton, and of Mr. Dolling, mate, 
and Mr. Brown, master; also of Lieut. Hayes, Bombay 
marine, and Lieut. Somerville, Adjutant of transports ; of 
Lieuts. TJrquhart and Marriott, Boyal Marines. Major 
Pratt offered his services, and Lieut. Grabbot, of the Madras 
Artillery, threw his shells from one of the junks with great 
effect. 

Thus in the course of three days, every portion of the 
fortifications of Canton fell into the power of the British, 
including its entire line-of-water frontage and its numerous 
out-works. On the land side every preparation was made 
by Sir Hugh Grough and Sir Le Fleming Senhouse to storm 
the city, which held an immense army of Tartar troops, 
when nags-of-truce were waved from the walls, and it 
appeared that the Tartar generals, who had come to 
exterminate the British, were now alongside the ships-of- 
war, humbly suing for peace, and offering immense sums 
for the ransom of the city. Six millions of dollars were 
ultimately accepted, and sent on board the ships-of-war. 
"While the terms of the arrangement were still micon- 
cluded, large bodies of irregular troops and armed peasantry 
continued to threaten the British forces, and a regiment of 
Sepoys having been sent to disperse some of the bands, a 
company, during a tremendous storm which took place, lost 
its way. It was feared that it had been cut off by the 
Chinese, when, immediately Sir Hugh Grough ordered up 
two companies of Marines, who, being still fresh, marched 



90 WAR IN CHINA. 

quickly in search of the missing party. A few shots 
were heard in the distance, when the brave Sepoys 
were seen, drawn np in a square, where they had stood all 
night, pecked at by whole hosts of Chinese. The gallant 
marines fired a couple of volleys, and giving a loud hurra, 
charged the celestials, who fled in all directions before them. 
The Sepoys were now brought back in triumph, but one 
officer and several men were wounded, and one was killed. 
On the 31st of May part of the ransom was paid, 18,000 
Tartars marched out of Canton ; and on the 1st of June the 
British troops re-embarked at Tsingpoo, under the super- 
intendence of Captains Bourchier and Maitland, and were 
towed down by the ' Nemesis ' to their respective ships. 
The whole squadron then got under weigh, and returned 
to Hong Kong. Many officers and men suffered much 
from the fatigues they had undergone ; and the seeds of 
disease were then sown, which, in a short time, carried 
numbers to their graves. The navy had to deplore the loss 
of Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, who, in a few days, sunk under 
the mental and bodily exertion to which he had been 
exposed. He was buried, according to his will, at Macao. 



DASHING EXPLOIT IN BOATS UNDER CAPTAIN BELCHER. 

I give the following account in Sir Edward Belcher's own 
words :— 

" The Commodore, and Captain Elliot, accompanied by 
Captain Herbert and myself, proceeded in the ' Nemesis ' to 
examine Eatee Creek, from the position of the ' Hyacinth.' 
It was found impossible to push the ' Hyacinth ' higher, 
nor was there room for the ' Nemesis.' It was therefore 
decided, that I should take the command of a division of 
boats through this creek. This division, consisting of the 
boats belonging to the ' Sulphur,' ' Hyacinth,' ' Calliope,' 



DASHING BOAT EXPLOIT UNDER CAPTAIN BELCHER. 91 

' Cruiser/ and ' Pylades,' supported by my worthy friend 
Captain "Warren, moved forwards about eleven. Attaching 
our tow-ropes to one of the large passage-boats, we com- 
pelled her to tow us a considerable distance, so as to avoid 
being noticed by the Chinese. At the point where the 
creek turned off to Patshan, there was scarcely room for 
our oars, and here a three-gun battery had been prepared 
for its defence, but we found it deserted, and the guns 
withdrawn. 

" Having cast off from the junk, we had scarcely entered 
the narrow pass, when we descried a boat making off. It 
was fortunate for our party, as his range of sweeps required 
as much room as ours ; and his advance cleared the way for 
us in full cry after him. How he contrived to pass, or 
whether the vessels were thrust out purposely, I know not 
but frequently we had not room for our oars ; and for this 
reason he distanced us. At length the Broadway, near the 
city, opened, with Canton ahead. The action had com- 
menced below, the vessels had passed the bridge, and the 
' fast boats' were flying in all directions. Warren and 
myself had entirely distanced our divisions ; one huge fellow 
we chased for a long time within pistol shot, yet he gained 
on us, and we were reluctantly compelled to relinquish him, 
to make sure of the others, now well within our grasp. 

" The reports of the carronades of our boats soon told 
where they were, and having rejoined, the lighter boats were 
left in charge of the captured fast boats ; and we then moved 
forward. The crowd of vessels falling constantly in our way, 
as well as myriads of sampans, &c, greatly obstructed our 
progress, and as we neared Canton, our vessels, not aware of 
our manoeuvre, and mistaking us for the enemy, were dropping 
their shot freely amongst us. 

" As we sighted the Shameen Fort, it opened on the 
steamers advancing. "We were then completely under cover 
of the houses, and landed, expecting to drive them out by 
musketry ; but found a deep and wide ditch between us, as 
well as a blank wall. The boats with guns were therefore 



92 WAR IN CHINA. 

brought up side by side to the piles in front, and five carron- 
ades, at thirty yards, played into their embrasures with 
grape, where they could not depress their guns. Joining 
Captain Warren in his gig, we landed, but before we could 
reach the gates, the enemy had fled. Having captured the 
fort, and the boats of the main division dropping in, I quitted, 
and joined the ' Nemesis' (leaving Captain "Warren to move 
on to capture the Dutch Tolly), and was towed by her towards 
Bogue Port, and there, having hauled down its colours, and 
left a party destroying the guns, I returned to the ' Nemesis,' 
and was joined by Mr. Morrison, secretary to the Plenipo- 
tentiary. At the request of Captain Elliot, I landed, and 
rehoisted the British colours on the Factory. Whilst thus 
engaged, a party of soldiers rushed out of the Hoppo-office, 
and had nearly succeeded in cutting off part of my boats' 
crew. But, being reinforced by one of our divisions, we 
pursued them up the Hog-lane, and drove them back with 
some loss. 

" On my return to the ' Nemesis,' Captain Elliot requested 
me to take him to Howqua's house, or where his tea-boats 
are laden. Having seated himself in the bow of one of 
the vessels, he despatched a comprador to say he wished to 
speak with Howqua. The Mandarin, however, would not 
come ; he was probably too much frightened, and afraid of 
involving himself ; but he sent down some tea,* which was 
rather acceptable. Captain Elliot then sent, requesting him 
to tell the Quang-chow-foo ' that he wished an interview the 
day following.' 

" We then returned to the ' Madagascar' steamer, where I 
found the Commodore. Some of the Chinese having fired on 
our boats (from the Custom-house), they were punished 
instanter by their carronades sweeping the lanes, and the 
1 Madagascar' also threw in several well-directed shells. 
Captain Warren and his division captured the Dutch Polly, 

* Bond fide, in this case, a mixture of gunpowder, not Howqua's 
mixture. 



CAPTURE OF AMOY. 93 

as well as five of Lin's gun-boats, most grotesquely painted 
with dolphins, dragons, &c. One of these having grounded, I 
was despatched to burn her, which having completed, I pro- 
ceeded below Dutch Polly, where I found four fast boats, and 
a sand-battery mounting five guns, very neatly masked with 
them as bags — the guns truly breeched with matting. These 
were all destroyed. The arsenal, and ten new war-junks, 
were left untouched. The fast boats taken by our division 
amounted in all to fourteen. Five junks, with very valuable 
cargoes, estimated at two and a half millions, were not 
meddled with, and the force was employed, during the latter 
part of the day, in saving Howqua's tea stores from the 
flames, the war-junks which had been fired having drifted 
on them." 



CAPTURE OF AMOY, 

August 26th. 

No sooner was Hong Kong taken possession of by the 
English than its population began to increase with the 
greatest rapidity, and in a few months the large town of 
Yictoria sprung up, and has since become the centre of 
British commerce in that part of the world. In June, Sir 
Gordon Bremer returned from Calcutta, and was appointed 
joint Plenipotentiary with Captain Elliot ; but on the 9th of 
August, both were superseded by Sir Henry Pottinger, who 
came as sole Plenipotentiary and chief superintendent of 
trade in China. Yice-Admiral Sir "William Parker, by whom 
all subsequent naval operations were conducted, came at the 
same time. 

A new system was now introduced : Sir Henry Pottinger 
refused to receive the Prefect of Canton, and let it be known 
that the British would no longer be cajoled by the Chinese. 
As the enemy did not choose to sue for peace, the squadron was 
forthwith prepared with great energy for an attack on Amoy. 



94 WAR IN CHINA. 

The orders issued by Sir "William Parker, for the guidance of 
the fleet, were very excellent, and much attention was 
devoted to the arrangement of the transport service, which 
was placed under the most efficient regulations, indeed great 
credit is due to the masters and officers of the troop and 
store ships for their good conduct and attention to their 
duties throughout the war. On the 21st of August, at day- 
light, nine days only after the arrival of the Admiral, the 
fleet being ready for sea, got under weigh. It was formed in 
three divisions. The centre was commanded by Captain 
Herbert, of the ' Blenheim,' assisted by Commander Clarke, 
of the 'Columbine;' the starboard division by Captain 
Bourehier, of the ' Blonde,' assisted by Commander Giffard, 
of the ' Cruiser ;' and the first division by Captain Smith, of 
the ' Druid,' assisted by Commander Anson, of the ' Pylades.' 

Among other orders, it was directed that a boat should be 
kept in constant readiness on board each transport to tow 
the ships clear of each other in the event of calms. 

The fleet destined for the proposed attack on Amoy con- 
sisted of the following ships : — ' "Wellesley,' flag-ship, 72, 
Captain Thomas Maitland ; ' Blenheim,' 72, Captain Thomas 
Herbert; ' Blonde, 44, Captain Thomas Bourchier ; ' Druid,' 
44, Captain Henry Smith, C.B. ; * Modeste,' 18, Captain 
Henry Eyres ; ' Cruiser,' 16, Commander H. TY\ Grifiard ; 
' Pylades,' 18, Commander T. Y. Anson ; ' Columbine,' 16, 
Commander Thomas J. Clarke ; ' Bentinck,' 10, Lieut. 
Eichard Collinson ; ' Algerine,' 10, Lieut. T. H. Mason; 
' Battlesnake,' troop ship, Master James Sprent. Steam- 
vessels : Hon. East India Company — ' Sesostris,' 4, Acting 
Commander Ormsby ; ' Phlegethon,' 4, Lieut. M'Cleverty, 
E.N. ; < Nemesis,' 2, Master "W. H. Hall, E.N. ; ' Queen,' 2, 
Acting Master W. "Warden, E.N. 

Added to the fleet there were 21 hired transports and 
store-ships, many of not less than a thousand tons. 

Captain Nias remained in the neighbourhood of the Canton 
river as senior officer, in command of a squadron of five 
vessels-of-war. 



CAPTURE OF AMOY. 95 

Amoy stands on the south-western corner of an island of 
the same name, situated in a large bay on the China coast, 
scarcely 300 miles north of Hong Kong. The small island 
of Kolingsoo, separated "by a narrow passage from Amoy, 
completely commands the harbour, as well as the town and 
suburbs. The harbour is very fine; and several rivers, which 
"debouche into the bay, afford easy communication with the 
interior of the country. The inhabitants, also, being pos- 
sessed of an enterprising and mercantile spirit, it is a place 
of very considerable commerce. It was, therefore, con- 
sidered that the capture of so flourishing a place would be 
seriously felt by the Chinese Government. • 

Several islands, on which numerous forts had been erected, 
stretch across the bay ; and on Amoy itself were a succession 
of batteries, one of which, commanding the harbour, was a 
mile in length, and mounted 96 guns. Every neighbouring 
height and point was also strongly fortified. On several 
occasions the authorities, confident in their strength, had 
treated the British flag in a hostile and insolent manner, 
which well merited the punishment now preparing for them. 
The weather proving favourable, the fleet had a good passage 
up, well maintaining their order of sailing, and without the 
occurrence of any accident of importance. Before sunset, 
on the evening of the 25th, it arrived off the islands at the 
entrance of Amoy Bay. A few shot were discharged at the 
ships as they passed between the fortified islands ; but no 
mischief was done. It was then beginning to blow hard ; 
but, favoured by a fair wind and a bright moonlight, piloted 
by Captain Bourchier, of the ' Blonde,' the fleet entered the 
bay, and anchored in security for the night. A strong wind 
during the night prevented any boats from leaving the ships 
to sound or make observations ; but as soon as daylight ap- 
peared, the Admiral, accompanied by Sir Hugh Grougk and 
Sir Harry Pottinger, embarked in the ' Phlegethon ' to re- 
connoitre the Chinese positions. As, in consequence of the 
advanced period of the monsoon and the further operations 
which were proposed, it was of the utmost importance that 



96 WAE IN CHINA . 

as little time as possible should be employed before Amoy, 
it was determined that a simultaneous attack should be im- 
mediately made by the squadron on the batteries within the 
barrier wall, and on the island of Grolong-soo, and that the 
troops should be landed inside the barrier as soon as prac- 
ticable to take the batteries in the rear. For this purpose 
the ' "Wellesley ' and ' Blenheim ' were directed to anchor 
opposite the strongest batteries on Amoy, and as near the 
entrance of the harbour as possible, leaving the ' Cruiser,' 
' Pylades,' ' Columbine,' and ' Algerine ' to engage the ex- 
treme point of the line, and cover the landing of the troops, 
flanked by the heavy guns of the ' Queen ' and ' Sesostris ' 
steam-vessels, the ' Phlegethon ' and ' Nemesis ' being ap- 
pointed to receive the troops, and tow in the boats for land- 
ing them. Captain Bourchier, of the ' Blonde,' was directed 
to attack the island of Grolong-soo, where it was supposed 
the water was shoaler. He had under him the ' Druid ' and 
1 Modeste,' with a body of marines commanded by Captain 
Ellis, and a detachment of the 26th Begiment commanded 
by Major Johnstone. While these arrangements were being 
made, a messenger from the shore came off, under a flag-of- 
truce, requesting to know the object of the squadron in 
coming to the port. He was informed, in reply, that it was 
come to require that the demands made by Captain Elliot at 
Tientsin should be complied with ; and if not done readily, 
they should be enforced. A white flag was to be displayed 
if these terms were agreed to ; and if not, hostilities were to 
be commenced forthwith. Anxious to prevent bloodshed, 
the British commanders waited for the appearance of the 
white flag ; but the infatuated Chinese, notwithstanding the 
lessons they had received, trusting to their numerous guns 
and batteries, refused to display it, and the signal to engage 
was accordingly given. 

The morning had been very hot and sultry ; but about a 
quarter past one a steady and favourable breeze having set 
in, the squadron weighed and proceeded to their stations. 
The ' Sesostris,' being the most advanced, received a heavy 



CAPTURE OF AMOY. 97 

fire before any return was made. She was soon joined by 
the ' Queen,' and both vessels commenced action with good 
effect. The ' Wellesley ' and ' Blenheim/ after ranging 
along the line of works on Amoy under a smart fire, were 
anchored by the stern about half-past 2 p.m., admirably 
placed by Captains Maitland and Herbert in 10 fathoms 
water, within 400 yards of the principal battery, precisely in 
the position allotted to them, while the ' Cruiser,' - Pylades,' 
1 Columbine,' and ' Algerine ' took their stations with equal 
judgment. The ' Blonde,' ' Druid,' and ' Modest e ' reached 
their positions opposite the batteries on Golong-soo a few 
minutes earlier ; but owing to the shallowness of the water, 
their Captains found much difficulty in placing them satis- 
factorily. To effect this it was necessary to carry them into 
little more than their own draught, which, however, without 
hesitation, was done in a very spirited manner. 

The ' Bentinck ' had been appointed to sound the channel 
ahead of the ' "Wellesley,' as she ran in. This Lieutenant 
Collinson very spiritedly performed, and then gallantly an- 
chored his brig within the entrance of the harbour. Here 
she was joined by the ' Sesostris,' which was placed by Cap- 
tain Ormsby in a very judicious position for relieving her 
and the other ships from a flanking fire. The action now 
became general, and the Chinese for some time worked their 
guns with much spirit, the roar from the artillery of both 
parties reverberating among the surrounding heights with a 
deafening effect ; but though the Chinese fought with far 
more courage and stubbornness than usual, they could not 
withstand the excellent gun-practice of the squadron. In 
about an hour and a half their fire slackened, and prepara- 
tions were made for landing the troops, to drive the enemy 
out of their fortifications. The three principal batteries on 
G-oolong-soo being silenced, Captain Ellis, with 170 marines 
and a small detachment of the 26th regiment, under Major 
Johnstone, landed on that island, and taking possession of 
the heights, speedily cleared the batteries. Meantime, as the 
' Phlegethon' was running up towards the barrier wall, Lieu- 



98 WAR IN CHmA. 

tenant M'Cleverty despatched a party under Lieutenant 
Crawford, who had volunteered his services, to capture a 
small outwork upon a hill near the beach. He and his fol- 
lowers, charging the enemy, drove them speedily from their 
entrenchments, and, while three hearty cheers echoed from 
the decks of the steamers as they passed, hoisted the British 
flag for the first time that day on the Chinese works. The 
' Modeste' and ' Blonde "had meantime weighed and stood into 
the inner harbour. After silencing the town batteries, they 
anchored completely inside and abreast of the city. Here 
they took possession of 26 war-junks, with 128 guns on 
board, in a state of preparation for sea, but deserted by their 
crews. 

About the same time, under the direction of Captain Grif- 
fard, of the ' Cruiser,' the first division of the troops were 
landed, and, headed by Sir Hugh Grough, escaladed and took 
possession of the works at the barrier wall. 

The ' "Wellesley ' and 'Blenheim,' having nearly demo- 
lished the batteries opposed to them, a party of seamen and 
marines were landed from them, under Commander Fletcher, 
with Acting-Lieutenant Carmichael, Lieutenant "White, B.M.. 
Lord A. Beauclerck, S. S. L. Crofton and L. Gr. Halstead, 
mates, and Mr. T. F. Jackson, midshipman of the ' "Wel- 
lesley,' and Captain "Whitcomb, B.M., B. C. Kevern, and 
F. A. St. Leger, mates of the 'Blenheim.' The Chinese, 
who had taken shelter in an adjoin in g building, were, after 
discharging their matchlocks, soon put to flight, and posses- 
sion was taken of their works. 

The ' Phlegethon ' and ' Nemesis ' were employed in car- 
rying up the troops and in towing a number of boats, with 
the sappers and miners, &c. They then kept up a heavy 
fire, to cover their landing. As soon as this was accom- 
plished, Mr. Hall with Mr. Gully pushed off from the ' Ne- 
mesis ' in the pinnace, and joined the advanced guard of the 
18th, under Major Tomlinson, who were advancing towards 
the castellated wall of the fortress. The 18th rushed for 
the lower end of the wall, while the party from the ' Ne- 



CAPTURE OF AMOY. 99 

mesis ' made for a spot some way higher up, which appeared 
more accessible; as, however, they were without scaling- 
ladders, the men, to get over the wall, lifted each other up on 
their hacks, and in this way Mr. Hall mounted first on the 
top of the wall, and waved the British flag, which he always 
carried with him. Then, leaping down into the body of the 
fort, followed only by two of his men, who had as yet got 
in, he was met by a young Chinese officer and a considerable 
body of Chinese, who faced about to encounter him. A 
hand-to-hand combat now took place between him and the 
mandarin, but the latter was soon wounded and disarmed, 
his cap and button and sword being taken from him. Seeing 
this, and the small number of British opposed to them, the 
Chinese made a desperate rush to rescue their chief, and 
Mr. Hall, with one of his men severely wounded, had some 
difficulty in fighting his way back to his party. Fortunately 
the troops had by this time forced their way into the fort, 
with the party from the ' Wellesley ' and ' Blenheim,' and 
the Chinese took to flight in every direction. By five 
o'clock all the outer defences of Amoy were in possession of 
the British, but the Chinese still held the town itself; the 
troops, therefore, bivouacked on the heights overlooking it, 
of which, led by Sir Hugh Grough, they had made themselves 
masters. The next morning, after a careful reconnoisance, 
the 18th regiment scaled the walls without opposition, and 
then forced open the gates from the inside. It was now 
found that the place had been deserted by the authorities, 
and was in the hands of a rabble, who were plundering in 
every direction, and it was with no little difficulty that the 
General could restore order, so afraid were the respectable 
inhabitants that, in aiding him, they should be accused of 
siding with the conquerors. To the credit of the British 
troops, notwithstanding the quantity of property left unpro- 
tected, instances of pilfering by them were few, if any. 
About 60 only of the Chinese were killed, among whom 
were several mandarins. Every care was taken of their 
wounded by the victors. Of the British very few were 

h2 



]00 WAR IN CHINA. 

hurt. The strength of the surface of the chief battery was 
so great, it being composed of hewn granite, faced outside 
with earth, that, notwithstanding the heavy firing of two 
line-of-battle ships against it, very little impression was 
made. 

On the 30th a party of seamen and marines from the 
4 Wellesley,' ' Blenheim,' and * Druid,' under Commander 
Fletcher, were embarked in the 'Nemesis' and several 
boats, and proceeded to destroy all the forts and guns in the 
neighbourhood of the city. A garrison was also placed in 
the island of doolongsoo, and Captain Smith, in the ' Druid/ 
with the ' Pylades ' and ' Algerine,' was left for their sup- 
port, while the squadron, as soon as a favourable wind sprung 
up, proceeded to Chusan. The island has ever since re- 
mained in possession of the British. 



RECAPTURE OF CHUSAN". 

The weather becoming calm and fine on the afternoon of the 
4th of September, the signal was made on board the flag-ship 
for the embarkation of the troops. Much to their credit, on 
being paraded, it was found that not a single instance of 
drunkenness or misconduct had occurred, notwithstanding 
temptations of every description during eight days of harass- 
ing duty. The whole force was embarked by half-past six, 
under the direction of Commander Griffard, and conveyed out 
by the steamers to their respective transports without a 
single person being left behind. On the following morning 
the squadron sailed for ISrngpo, which place it was intended 
next to attack. On their voyage north the fleet had fair 
though light winds till the 13th, when the north-east mon- 
soon setting in strong against them, with thick weather, many 
of the transports became separated. By much perseverance, 
and by taking advantage of the tides in-shore, which the re- 
gularity of the soundings enabled the ships to approach, 



RECAPTURE OF CHUSAN. 101 

they were nearly all again collected by the 24th, near Chusan. 
The boisterous state of the weather, however, preventing the 
ships from approaching the exposed position of Chinghae, a 
strong place at the mouth of the Tahea Elver, and which it 
was necessary to take before proceeding up that river to 
jNlngpo, it was determined first to occupy the island of 
Chusan. Preparations were immediately made to effect that 
object. Since its abandonment by the British, the Chinese 
had considerably increased the fortifications of the island. 
Owing to the rapidity of the tides in the different channels 
leading to Chusan harbour, it was found difficult to place 
the ships* in the positions required, and it was therefore 
resolved to land the troops, seamen, and marines, to the 
westward of the sea defences, so as to take them in reverse. 
On a steep hill, a short way beyond the spot where it was 
proposed to disembark the troops, a large body of Chinese 
were seen posted in a strongly-fortified encampment with a 
stone-work, where however no guns were yet mounted, in- 
tended to guard the point. Captain Eyres was therefore 
detached with the ' Modeste,' ' Columbine,' and ' Nemesis,' 
to prevent the Chinese occupying the battery ; which duty 
they effectually performed, the guns of the ' Nemesis' making 
a considerable breach in the walls of the fortified encamp- 
ment. The ' Blonde,' ' Modeste,' ' Jupiter,' and ' Queen ' 
were next employed in covering a party of the Royal Artillery, 
under Captain Knowles, who was engaged in erecting a bat- 
tery against the Joss-house Hill. 

It was not, however, till the 1st of October, that the troops 
in two columns were landed with a party of marines and 
seamen, and, under Sir Hugh Gough, proceeded to attack 
Tinghae, the capital of the island ; the walls were quickly 
escaladed, and by two o'clock the British colours were flying 
in every direction. The fire from the ships and steam-vessels 
conveying the troops did much execution ; and so great was 
its precision that, at a distance of 700 yards, two or three 
individuals fell by single cannon shot, one of them in the 
very act of waving a Chinese banner. 



102 WAR IN CHINA. 

At the storming of the Pagoda Hills, tlie Chinese fought 
with great individual bravery; the spear and the bayonet 
frequently crossed, and many of the Tartar officers were 
killed in hand-to-hand combats. A great number fell as they 
were retreating along a narrow causeway from the city. 

The loss of the British was 1 officer (Lieut. Duell), and 
1 rank and file killed, and 27 wounded. 

The Chinese forces, scattering in every direction, escaped 
into the interior of the island, and notwithstanding many 
attempts to capture them, and to prevent their getting over 
to the mainland, few, if any, were found. They, however, 
managed so adroitly, that they contrived to kidnap many 
private soldiers and camp followers who ventured alone at 
any distance from the walls of Tinghae. A small garrison 
only was left in Chusan, while the rest of the naval and 
military forces proceeded to the attack of Chinghae and 
Ningpoo. 



EXPLOITS OF THE 'NEMESIS.' 

The little ' Nemesis' deserves a chapter to herself. She was 
fortunate in having a Commander whose zeal and courage 
never allowed him to let an opportunity pass by which he 
could distinguish himself, or advance the cause in which he 
was engaged. He also is happy in possessing a biographer, 
whose sincere regard and admiration enables him to describe 
in glowing colours the gallant deeds he performed while in 
command of that vessel in the China seas. We give one of 
the exploits of the ' Nemesis' almost in Mr. Bernard's own 
words.* 

On her voyage from Amoy to Chusan, having been sepa- 

* " Narrative of the Voyages and Services of the ' Nemesis/ " by 
W. D. Bernard, Esq. H. Colburn. — We strongly recommend the book 
to all who wish to obtain a full description of the War in China. 



EXPLOITS OF THE ' NEMESIS.' 103 

rated from the fleet in consequence of thick and squally 
weather, and having lost her fore top-mast and fore gallant- 
mast, she came to an anchor under a small island about 
thirty-five miles from Sheipoo, and between fifty and sixty 
from the Buffalo's Nose. 

On the 16th of Sept., Mr. Hall landed on the island with 
a party of men to look for wood, which was much needed for 
fuel, and also for refreshments for the crew, and took the 
opportunity to ascend a high hill for the sake of observing 
the neighbouring country. The haze cleared off sufficiently 
to enable him to discover the entrance to an extensive har- 
bour. He thought he could make out something like batteries 
or field-works at the entrance. The opportunity for earning 
some further distinction for his beloved 'Nemesis' was too 
tempting to be neglected. It was also probable that a good 
supply of fuel would be found near the town ; a considera- 
tion never to be lost sight of for a steamer. The state of 
the weather, which still continued very unsettled, and pre- 
vented the ship from putting to sea, encouraged him to un- 
dertake the enterprise he contemplated. 

Soon after daylight on the 17th, a large junk hove in 
sight, which was boarded in the hope of gaining some in- 
formation, but was not otherwise molested. Nothing import- 
ant was elicited. The ' Nemesis,' however, stood in for 
the entrance of the harbour, which was very narrow, but 
fortunately she soon fell in with a fishing-boat, with several 
fishermen in her. They were at once brought to, and made 
to understand that one of them must come on board and 
pilot the vessel into the harbour ; and he was promised ten 
dollars if he took her in without any accident ; but if she 
touched ground, it was hinted to him, that he would imme- 
diately be run up to the yard-arm, to atone either for his 
treachery or his misfortune, whichever it might be. At 
first the poor fellow was in a dreadful state of alarm, but 
after being made more clearly to understand the conditions, 
he gradually recovered his self-possession. The tide swept 
into the narrow entrance of the harbour so rapidly, that the 



104 WAR IX CHIXA. 

' Nemesis' was fairly earned through the passage before the 
two small field-works intended to protect it could bring a 
single gun to bear upon her ; but the Chinese were seen 
running down from their little encampment above to man 
the guns. 

At the bottom of the harbour, the town now came in view, 
with a number of trading-junks moored in close lines on one 
side of it, while on the other there was a small fort which 
appeared to have been strengthened recently, but was left 
almost unprotected in the rear. About five or six hundred 
men were drawn up on a rising ground behind the fort, so 
that it was evident the Chinese were prepared for defence. 
The ' Nemesis' immediately ran in towards the fort, and 
took up a flanking position, anchoring by the stern between 
it and the town, so as to bring her guns to bear with the 
greatest advantage without exposing herself to the direct fire 
of the fort. Shot, shell, and canister were now poured in, 
and the fort was soon silenced ; but at the same time troops 
could be seen descending from the hill behind, and bringing 
with them heavy gingals mounted on triangular stands, as if 
they intended to oppose a landing. 

A few discharges of grape-shot, however, killed many of 
them, and threw them into great disorder, on which Captain 
Hall landed at the head of all the men who could be spared 
from the ship, and took possession of the fort, the Chinese 
flying before them ; two brass and two iron guns were de- 
stroyed in the fort, the temporary sheds, buildings, were set 
on fire, and water was poured into the magazine to destroy 
the powder. It was not thought necessary to follow the 
Chinese, who had retreated to the hill again, or to attempt 
to enter the town itself, from which no good result could be 
expected, as the retreat of so small a party to the boats 
might in the mean time have been cut off, or, at all events, 
attended with some loss. 

As soon as the whole party had returned on board, boats 
were sent out, manned and armed, to search for fuel, 
and also to attempt to capture three large war-junks, which 



EXPLOITS OF THE ' NEMESIS.' 105 

had been seen on the way up the harbour. All the 
trading-junks were left unmolested, but several well-filled 
wood-junks were soon picked out, and in a short time 
no less than seven boat-loads of excellent wood were ob- 
tained, amounting in all to about 70 tons. Much labour 
was required to bring off so large a quantity, and to stow it 
away expeditiously ; nevertheless, during this operation, one 
of the war-jmiks was captured (the crew having deserted 
her), and as soon as she was towed clear of the town and 
shipping, so as not to cause any unnecessary damage, she 
was set on fire in the middle of the harbour, and shortly 
blew up. Two guns, and a quantity of gingals, matchlocks, 
swords, &c, were destroyed in her. By eleven o'clock the 
wooding party had finished their labours, and as a fresh body 
of troops appeared to be collecting near the town, the 
steamer again ran in, and poured a shower of grape and ca- 
nister into the midst of them, which made them instantly 
disperse. It was now mid-day, and officers and men were 
thoroughly fatigued with their exertions since daylight ; the 
steamer was therefore moved to the upper end of the har- 
bour, while the men were quietly piped to dinner. The day's 
work, however, was not yet finished, and about two o'clock 
the cutters were sent away, manned and armed, under Mr. 
Galbraith, to destroy the other two war-junks which had 
been seen in the morning, one of which was found to mount 
14 guns, and contained a large quantity of powder, with 
numerous warlike implements of various kinds. One of 
them was towed out into the middle of the harbour, and set 
on fire; the other blew up close in shore, where she was 
aground. Some of the common Chinese labourers ran down 
to the shore to endeavour to extinguish the fire on board 
the junk, but they were instantly driven off by a few round- 
shot. Throughout the day the hills which surrounded the 
harbour were covered with people, who crowded out of the 
town, and from all the neighbouring villages, to witness the 
exploits of the " devil-ship," the rapidity of whose move- 
ments, the precision of her fire, and the volumes of smoko 



106 WAE W CHINA. 

and steam which issued from her, seeming to awaken feelings 
of awe and mute astonishment even more than fear ; and on 
seeing the destruction of the war-junks, while the merchant- 
junks remained uninjured, they appeared satisfied that no 
mischief was threatened against the unarmed inhabitants, so 
long as they did not interfere. 

The day was now far advanced, and it only remained to 
capture the two forts or field-works upon the island, just 
within the mouth of the harbour. A shot or two had pre- 
viously been fired at them in the course of the morning, but 
it was now determined to take possession of them and de- 
stroy the works. A few shells and rockets were discharged 
into them from the steamer, as she neared them, and the 
boats then put off, manned and armed. The Chinese had 
only just abandoned them. The two field-works were very 
near each other, and were fouud to mount nine guns, which 
were spiked, their carriages destroyed, and the tents of the 
soldiers were set on fire. About five o'clock the ' Nemesis ' 
again made her way out of the harbour without any accident, 
and without having suffered any casualty among the men 
throughout the whole day's arduous work, in which Mr. 
Freeze (mate, B.N.), the chief officer, and Mr. Galbraith, 
the second, bore a conspicuous part. Grood service had been 
rendered, not only by the destruction of the enemy's works 
and vessels, and by obtaining so large a supply of the much- 
needed fuel, but by the moral impression which was created 
among the people, both of our power and of our forbearance. 
The poor Chinese fisherman, who had acted as pilot, was, of 
course, liberated as soon as the harbour was cleared ; and he 
appeared no less astonished than overjoyed when the promised 
ten dollars were counted out into his hands-. 



CAPTURE OF CHINGHAE. 107 



CAPTURE OF CHINGHAE, 
October 10th, 1841. 

As winter was rapidly approaching, it was important to 
secure winter- quarters for the troops, and Chinghae was 
therefore fixed on as commanding the approach to JNTingpo. 
The continued occupation of so important a place was likely, 
it was supposed, to have a good moral effect on the Chinese 
Government, and might facilitate future negotiations. Ching- 
hae is a small town, standing at the base of a high hill, on a 
point of land joined to the main by an isthmus, and commands 
the entrance of the Tahea orNingpo Kiver, on the left or north 
bank, 12 or 15 miles up which is situated the large city of 
Ningpo. On the summit of the hill, which is 250 feet high, 
is a large temple or joss-house, connected with other build- 
ings by loopholed walls, and forming a sort of citadel. It is 
encircled by a strong wall, with very substantial iron-plated 
gates at the east and west ends. The north and south sides 
of the height are exceedingly steep ; the former accessible 
only from the sea by a narrow winding path from the rocks 
at its base, the south side and eastern end being nearly pre- 
cipitous. At the east end of the citadel, outside its wall, 21 
guns were mounted in three batteries of masonry and sand- 
bags, to defend the entrance of the river. The only commu- 
nication between the citadel and the city is on the west side, 
by a steep but regular causeway to a barrier-gate at the 
bottom of the hill, where a wooden bridge over a wet ditch 
connects it with the isthmus and the gates of the city, the 
whole of which are covered with iron plates and strongly 
secured. The space on the isthmus, between the citadel hill 
and the city wall, is filled up towards the sea with a battery 
of five guns, having a row of strong piles driven into a little 
beach in front of it, to prevent a descent in that quarter ; and 



108 WAR IN CHINA. 

on the river side of the isthmus are two batteries, adjoining 
the suburbs, and mounting 22 and 19 guns for flanking the 
entrance : 28 guns of different sizes, and numberless gingals, 
were also planted on the city walls, principally towards the 
sea. The town is enclosed by a wall 37 feet in thickness, 
and 22 feet high, with an embrasured parapet of 4 feet high, 
and it is nearly 2 miles in circumference. 

The main body of the Chinese forces were posted on the 
right bank of the river in fortified encampments, on very 
commanding and steep hills, field-works and entrenchments 
being thrown up in every advantageous position, with 23 
guns and innumerable gingals mounted in them to impede 
the advance of the troops. The principal landing-place on 
this side is within a considerable creek, close to the south 
entrance of the river, and across the creek were driven rows 
of piles. Four batteries, mounting 31 guns, were also newly 
constructed on this side of the river to flank the entrance ; 
and about half a mile above its mouth, a similar obstruction 
of larger piles was carried completely across, space only 
being left for one junk to pass at a time. 

On the 7th the wind having veered to a point favourable 
for carrying the ships up to Chinghae, they were moved to 
the anchorage of ' Just-in-the-Way,' and on the 9th they 
reached the anchorage off the town itself. They consisted of 
the ' "Wellesley,' ' Blenheim,' ' Blonde,' ' Modeste,' ' Cruiser,' 
' Columbine,' 'Bentinck,' * Jupiter,' 'Battlesnake,' ' Sesostris,' 
' Phlegethon,' ' Nemesis,' and ' Queen.' 

At an early hour on the morning of the 10th, the troops 
proceeded in the ' Queen,' ' Nemesis,' and ' Phlegethon/ 
steamers, and the boats of the transports, to the points of 
debarkation, in two columns. One, the main body, 2,000 
strong, under the immediate command of the General, dis- 
embarked a short distance beyond the creek ; the other, 500 
strong, landed at the entrance of the creek, under cover of the 
brigs ' Cruiser,' c Columbine,' and ' Bentinck,' which, directed 
by Commander Giffard, took up very judicious positions. 
A few shot from them cleared the shore of about 300 Chinese 



CAPTURE OF CHINGHAE. 109 

troops, collected to oppose the landing of the British ; and 
by half-past nine every man was safe on shore. The 
' "Wellesley,' 'Blenheim,' 'Blonde,' and 'Modeste' opened a 
heavy cannonade on the citadel and eastern part of the city 
walls ; and the ' Sesostris,' ' Queen,' and ' Phlegethon,' after 
landing the troops, and towing up the ships to their stations, 
commenced throwing their shells into the citadel. The 
' Nemesis ' joined in the attack on the north side, and re- 
mained in readiness to cover the landing of the seamen and 
marines. The citadel hill cannot be approached for attack 
by large ships, except on the north side, and there the water 
is so shallow t^at it is only in very calm weather they can be 
safely carried sufficiently near to fire with effect. The day 
was all that the invaders could desire, and the ' Wellesley ' 
having been towed by the ' Sesostris ' into an excellent 
position, her anchor was dropped about a quarter before 
nine o'clock in 4 fathoms, about 1,300 yards from the citadel 
and town walls. As the water ebbed she settled impercep- 
tibly into a bottom of soft mud, and was as steady as a land 
battery. The ' Blenheim,' ' Blonde,' and ' Modeste,' favoured 
by a light breeze, took their stations under sail, and every 
ship was placed as close as possible; the 'Blenheim' and 
- Modeste ' touching the bottom at low water. As the troops 
on the right bank of the i iver moved forward, the sloops, under 
Commander GifFard, approached the entrance of the harbour ; 
while the steamers, which were for a considerable time under 
a heavy fire from the river batteries, did much execution with 
their guns. About eleven o'clock the British colours were 
planted by the troops in one of the batteries on the opposite 
shore, and within a few minutes the others on that side were 
all carried, the Chinese on the heights flying in every direc- 
tion. At a quarter past eleven the wall of the citadel was 
breached by the fire from the ships, when the battalion of 
seamen and marines, with the detachment of artillery and 
sappers, under the command of Captain Herbert, were im- 
mediately landed, and the force gallantly advanced to the 
assault. An explosion at this time took place in a battery, 



110 WAR IN CHINA. 

near the citadel gate, and the garrison fled without waiting 
to close it. The citadel was therefore entered, and the union 
jack displayed on the walls. Here another explosion oc- 
curred. Captain Herbert having secured the posts, quickly 
re-formed his men, and advanced towards the city, where the 
Chinese in considerable force still occupied the walls, as well 
as the two batteries beneath the hills on the river side, 
against which the British had already turned some of the 
guns taken on the right bank. A few volleys of musketry 
speedily dislodged them from both positions, and the bat- 
talion of seamen and marines pushed on in excellent order 
to attack the city. The wall, which was 26 feet high, was 
escaladed in two places, and in a short time, the Chinese 
troops having escaped through the western gates, complete 
possession was taken of Chinghae. During the escalade, a 
third explosion took place, by which a seaman of the 
' Blenheim ' was killed. The seamen immediately returned 
on board their ships, which as the tide rose were moved into 
secure berths. Captain Herbert remained with the marines 
in charge of the town until the evening, when Sir H. Grough 
arrived, and a considerable portion of the troops were con- 
veyed across the river in the ' Phlegethon, ' to garrison it. 
The city and Joss-house Hill were defended by about 3,000 
regular Tartar troops, of whom about 150 were killed. 

Ninety iron and sixty-seven brass guns were taken. Ad- 
miral Parker, in his Despatch, mentions Captains Herbert, 
Bourchier, Maitland, and Eyres ; Major Ellis, of the Marines ; 
and his Elag-Lieut. Charles Tennant. 

Return of officers who landed with the right column under 
the command of Captain Herbert, Captain Bourchier com- 
manding the battalion of seamen : — 

Landed with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd companies seamen bat- 
talion. ' Wellesley,' Lieuts. Synionds, Maitland, and Car- 
michael ; Messrs. King, Halstead, and Crouch, mates ; 
Messrs. Birtwhistle, Butler, and Jackson, midshipmen ; Mr. 
Smith, Assistant-Surgeon. 



CAPTURE OF CHINGHAE. Ill 

Landed with the 4th, 5th, and 6th companies seamen bat- 
talion. ' Blenheim,' Lieutenants Hawkins and Matthews ; 
Messrs. St. Leger and Norman, mates ; Mr. Dowell, mid- 
shipman; Mr. Adair, volunteer, 1st class; Mr. Scott, 
volunteer, A.D.C. ; Mr. Thomas, assistant-surgeon. 

Landed with 7th company, seamen battalion. ' Blonde,' 
Lieutenant Sir T. Nicholson ; Messrs. "Walker and Bolland, 
mates ; Mr. Lambert, midshipman ; Messrs. Lion and Coke, 
midshipmen, A.D.C. 

Landed with subdivision 8th company. ' Modeste,' Lieut. 
Birch ; Mr. Pearse, mate ; Major Ellis, commanding battalion 
of Boyal Marines. 

Captain "WTiitcombe ; Lieuts. "White, Ushur, "Whiting, 
Hewet, Farmer, Polkinghorne ; Mr. Tweedale, assistant- 
surgeon of ' Blenheim ;' Mr. Stanley, assistant-surgeon of 
' Blonde.' Landed *276 Boyal Marines. 

Artillery, Lieut, the Hon. P. Spencer, 23rd B.A., and two 
5i-inch mortars, and 9 and 12-pound rockets ; Lieut. 
Molesworth, 12th Madras Artillery ; Captain Cotton and 
Lieut. Johnston with 30 Madras sappers. 

Officers in charge of boats. — ' "Wellesley,' Lieut. Lord "Wm. 
Compton, and Lord A. Beauclerk, mate in the launch ; Mr. 
Crofton, mate in the pinnace ; Mr. Kennedy, mate in the 
barge ; Mr. Mblett, 2nd master in the cutter. 

' Blenheim,' Mr. Kevern, mate in the launch ; Mr. 
Denny, mate in the barge ; Mr. Konniclas (Greek), in 
the pinnace ; Mr. Pascoe, 2nd master in the gun-boat ; 
Mr. Swinburn, midshipman, in the 1st cutter ; Mr. GTell, 
midshipman, in the 2nd cutter ; Mr. Bencroft, volunteer, 
1st class, in the jolly-boat. 

1 Blonde,' Lieut. Daly, in the launch ; Mr. Hamilton, 
midshipman, in the pinnace; Mr. Anderson, mate, in the 
gun-boat. 

' Modeste,' Mr. Crofton, mate, in the pinnace. 



112 WAR IN CHINA. 



OCCUPATION OF NINGPO, 
October 12th. 



Two days after the capture of Chinghae, the Admiral 
having reconnoitred the river as far as the city of jN"ingpo, 
the Tartar troops and many of the inhabitants were seen 
making their escape from it. In order, therefore, to prevent 
it falling into the hands of the rabble, he at once returned 
and ordered up the squadron. A large portion of the 
troops were on board the ' ISTemesis ' and ' Phlegethon.' 
They reached jSnigpo about 2 p.m., and anchored within 
a few feet of the floating-bridge, which connects the city at 
the east end gate with the suburbs across the river. The 
men were disembarked with great ease by stages from the 
bows of the vessels, the battalion of seamen and marines 
under Captain Herbert, landing at the same time in the 
suburbs on the city side, a short distance below them. 

The gates of the city were all found secured and barri- 
caded, though not the slightest opposition was offered, and 
an extrance being effected, the British marched quietly in. 
The mandarins and troops had all left the city, the latter, since 
their defeat at Chinghae, having refused to fight, lumbers 
of the inhabitants crowded the banks of the river as 
spectators, and others assisted voluntarily to remove the 
barricades at the city gates. By three o'clock the little 
army, consisting of nearly 800 men, was drawn up on the 
ramparts of the important city of Ningpo, the band of the 
18th Eoyal Irish playing the national anthem of " Grod 
save the Queen." Xever was there so bloodless or more 
satisfactory a victory. Order was at once restored, and the 
Chinese were assured of the protection of the British. 
Unfortunately a ransom was afterwards demanded, and a 
tax of 10 per cent, on the estimated value of property was 



OCCUPATION OF NINGPO. 113 

levied to pay it ; which, although it was not raised, was th& 
cause of much ill feeling on the part of the people. The 
troops having remained in Mngpo about two months, an 
expedition was undertaken to dislodge a Chinese force 
reported to be posted in the town of Yuyow. On the 27th 
of December thefthree steamers ' Nemesis,' ' Sesostris,' and 
' Phlegethon/ with a number of boats in tow, and 700 
troops, including seamen and marines, proceeded up the 
north-western branch of the river, on which Tuyow is 
situated. Sir "William Parker and Sir Hugh Grough were 
on board the ' Nemesis.' Having dispersed a party of 
Chinese soldiers on the way, the troops landed near the 
town, and took possession of a hill overlooking it, on which 
a joss-house is situated. Here they took up their quarters 
for the night. The next morning, which was bitterly cold, 
the ground being covered with snow, preparations were 
made for escalading the town. Just then some of the 
inhabitants came out and stated that the troops had been 
withdrawn. This, however, proved to be a ruse, their 
intention having been to let the English enter, and then, 
while off their guard, the Chinese soldiers were to return 
and cut them to pieces. Fortunately the ' Nemesis ' was 
sent with a squadron of boats higher up to meet the troops, 
when, from her masthead, a large Chinese force was dis- 
covered outside the walls. She, and the ' Phlegethon,' 
which had followed her, opened their fire on them, and the 
British troops, forcing their way through the town, put 
them to flight, and followed them for several miles, killing 
several of them in the pursuit, and taking others prisoners. 
The town of Tsekee, about four miles from the river, was 
visited the next day, but found undefended, and the troops 
then returned to Mngpo. The remainder of the year 1841 
passed away without any naval event in China worthy of 
notice. On the 5th of March the ' Clio,' Captain Troubridge, 
arrived with the mails, and with the announcement of the 
promotions in consequence of the capture of Canton, and 
the exploits in the Canton river. 



114 WAE IN CHINA. 

On the 7th of March, Captain Collinson, -with Lieutenant 
Bates, who had gone in the ' Nemesis ' to reconnoitre an 
island called Tai-shan, to the north of Chusan, where it was 
reported the Chinese were fitting out an expedition of fire- 
boats, had, in company with Mr. Hall, Mr. Freeze, mate, 
R. IS"., and other officers of that ship, a spirited brush with 
the enemy. On first landing, not expecting to encounter 
any armed men, they were nearly surrounded and cut. off. 
They, however, with great gallantry fought their way back 
to the boats. They then again landed with a larger party, 
mustering in all 66, and encountered a force of some five or 
six hundred Chinese troops just landed from their transports. 
These they charged, and putting them to flight, killed a 
mandarin and 50 men, took eight prisoners, and captured 
their military chest ; and after burning the transports and 
some of the houses which had sheltered the soldiers, returned 
on board. 

The effect of the victory was to save Chusan from further 
molestation. 

On the evening of the 9th, a desperate and well-planned 
attempt was made by the Chinese to recapture Ningpo, and 
though the British had been forewarned, they were very 
nearly taken by surprise, from having often before received 
similar reports of intended attacks, which had proved un- 
founded. The ' Columbine,' ' Modeste,' ' Queen,' and 
' Sesostris,' were anchored off the city, and the first alarm 
was given by the Chinese firing two guns at them which 
they had brought down to the banks of the river for that 
purpose. Fire-rafts were also sent against them, which 
were not without difficulty towed clear of the ' Sesostris ' by 
her own boats and those of the other ships. The ships then 
opened their fire on the suburbs to impede the advance of 
the Chinese. 

The approach of the enemy had been made so cautiously 
that they had actually succeeded in scaling the walls ; and 
had not Sir Hugh^ Grough admirably disposed his troops so 
as to concentrate them at the point of danger, the loss 



OCCUPATION" OF NESTGPO. 115 

to the British might have been very considerable. The 
Chinese fought with great bravery, but were at length 
repulsed and driven along a narrow street of the suburbs, 
with dreadful slaughter. 

Their force was supposed to exceed 5,000 men, and their 
loss 500 or 600. 

In the morning, the boats of the squadron were sent up 
the river in search of fire-rafts, and those of the ' Columbine,' 
under Captain Morshead, discovered and destroyed 37 fire- 
vessels. Near Tsekee, many more junks full of combustibles 
were discovered and destroyed. 

Chinghae was attacked at about the same time, but the 
Chinese were driven back by a force under Colonel Schoedde 
and Captain Daubeny. On the morning of the 10th, 10 
fire-vessels were sent against the ships-of-war and transports 
off the town, but the boats of the ' Blonde,' under Com- 
mander Goldsmith, and of the ' Hyacinth,' under Lieut. 
Dolling, immediately pulled towards them,*and towed them 
on shore, where they exploded. 

Sir Hugh Grough had been informed that a strong body of 
Chinese were entrenched on the Segoan hills, at the back of 
Tsekee, under the command of three of their best generals. 
On the morning of the 15th of March, an expedition of 
about 1,000 men, including seamen and marines, was 
embarked on board the ' Nemesis,' ' Phlegethon,' and 
' Queen,' to attack them. 

The naval brigade was commanded by Captain Bourchier, 
of the ' Blonde,' assisted by Captain P. Richards. 

The troops having landed and marched towards the city, 
the ' Phlegethon,' ' Nemesis,' and. two boats of the ' Corn- 
wallis ' and ' Blonde,' were sent higher up the river to harass 
the Chinese army in their retreat. 14 fire-rafts, five gun- 
boats, and a considerable amount of warlike stores, were 
destroyed on the way. 

It is out of our province to describe the movements of the 
military. The Chinese were found posted in great force on 
two hills on the other side of the town. While the General 

i2 



]16 WAR EN" CHINA. 

with his troops, attacked one of the heights, the naval 
brigade, led by Captains Bourchier and Richards, and Com- 
mander "Watson, the Admiral taking an active part, rushed 
up the other hill, across a paddy-field on the Chinese right. 

They were boldly met by the enemy ; and two officers of 
marines, two of the naval battalion, and 11 men were 
wounded, and three men were killed. Lieutenant Fitz- 
james and Mr. Jackson, of the ' Cornwallis,' poured in some 
rockets with great precision into the enemy's position, they 
firing in return with gingals and matchlocks. A valley 
separated the two hills into which the enemy was driven, 
large numbers being killed and many destroying themselves. 
As they fled, the ' Nemesis ' and ' Phlegethon ' opened 
their fire on them and completed the route. 

The expedition returned, after this well-conducted and 
brilliant affair, to Ningpo. The British force was now aug- 
mented by more troops, as also by some ships-of-war, namely, 
H.M.S. ' Vixen,' from England, and the H. E. I. C. steamers 
'Tenasserim,' 'Auckland,' 'Ariadne,' 'Medusa,' and 'Hoogly,' 
from Bombay, well armed and adapted to river navigation. 

A well-concerted attempt was again made by the Chinese 
to destroy the British shipping off Chusan, by fire-rafts, but 
information was received in time, and preparations made to 
receive them. 

The steamers and the boats of the squadron were con- 
stantly employed in searching for them, and upwards of a 
hundred were thus destroyed. 

A movement on Chapoo, an important city on the great 
river Tangtzee, being determined on, the troops at JSTingpo 
were re-embarked, and that place was evacuated on the 7th 
of May. 



CAPTUKE OF CHAPOO. 117 



CAPTURE OF CHAPOO. 

On the 13th, the troops having been conveyed on hoard the 
transports by the ' Queen,' ' Sesostris,' and ' Phlegethon,' 
they, with the ' Cornwallis,' ' Blonde,' ' Modeste,' ' Colum- 
bine,' ' Starling,' ' Algerine,' ' Plover,' and ' Jupiter ' troop- 
ship, got under weigh for Chapoo. 

Chapoo is built along the edge of the sea, at the mouth of 
the river, with a line of heights above it strongly fortified. 
Some islands lying off it shelter the landing-place. Com- 
manders Kellett and Collinson and Mr. Hall were employed 
during the night of the 16th in sounding, to enable the 
' Cornwallis,' ' Blonde,' ' Modeste,' and other ships to take 
up advantageous positions before the enemy's works, and to 
cover the landing of the troops. At daylight on the 17th the 
whole fleet stood in ; but having anchored, owing to want of 
wind, during the morning, they did not take up their allotted 
positions till the evening. The transports anchored near 
the islands, where the troops were to land under cover of 
the ' Starling,' ' Columbine,' ' Plover,' and ' Algerine.' The 
' Cornwallis ' and ' Blonde ' were placed against the small 
batteries on the hill side next the suburbs, on the summit of 
which was a fortified temple ; and the ' Modeste ' took up a 
position to attack the works in front, nearer the suburbs. 
The ' Nemesis ' and ' Queen ' and ' Phlegethon ' were to land 
the troops ; and the ' Sesostris ' anchored in-shore, was to 
shell the Chinese as they retreated before the advance of 
the British. 

At daylight next morning the three steamers, with the 
boats of the squadron under Commander Charles Richards, 
landed the troops, when Sir Hugh (rough led the left column 
along the crest of the heights, driving the enemy before him. 
The Admiral, who never shrank from danger or fatigue. 



118 WAE IX CHINA. 

either asliore or afloat, landed with the battalion of seamen 
and marines under Captain Bourchier. The right flank of 
the Chinese was soon turned, and their principal works were 
carried before they had time to spring some mines which 
they had prepared. As they fled before the British, the 
' Sesostris ' fired some shells in on them with deadly effect. 
A considerable body of Tartars, however, threw themselves 
into a large building, which they defended with the most 
desperate bravery, and numbers of the British fell before it. 
Among others was Colonel Tomlinson, of the 18th, who, 
with a few of his own men and of the 49th, attempted to 
enter it. Many others were wounded. Air. Hall, of the 
' Xemesis,' Lieut. Fitzjames, and some other oflicers and 
men, made several gallant attempts to force their way in, 
and to set the building on fire, but were compelled to retire. 
Captain Pearse at length fixed a powder-bag to the wall; 
but this had little effect in bringing it down. Another, 
fastened more securely, at length blew up a considerable 
portion, when many of the defenders were destroyed, and it 
was with much difficulty that the men of the 18th were pre- 
vented from shooting down the rest in revenge for the loss 
of their gallant Colonel. About 50, however, were made 
prisoners. In the mean time the walls of the city had been 
scaled, and the enemy dispersed, many of them taking the 
direction of Hang-chow-foo. A considerable number of the 
mandarins and Tartar soldiers cut their own throats when 
they found the day was lost, and others were prevented from 
committing a like folly by the interposition of the British. 

The loss of the English was greater on this than on any 
previous occasion throughout the war. The Chinese wounded, 
however, received every possible attention and kindness from 
the British medical oflicers ; and it is gratifying to know 
that this conduct was fully appreciated, the Mandarin Elepoo, 
Governor of Chapoo, having shortly afterwards addressed a 
letter to the Admiral and General to thank them for their 
humanity. A more substantial acknowledgment was after- 
wards made by the manner in which the Chinese treated 



CAPTUBE OF WOOSUNG AND SHANGHAI. 119 

those of the British force who fell into their hands ; pre- 
vious to which those who had been made prisoners expe- 
rienced every species of cruelty, and had often been tortured 
to death. 

By the orders of Sir Hugh Grough, before the British left 
Chapoo all the Chinese prisoners were set at liberty, each of 
them receiving a present of three dollars. The British had 
already taught the Chinese to fear them ; and the effect of 
this humane conduct was to teach them to respect them. 
The Chinese, in return, restored all the prisoners they had 
kidnapped, giving to the whites 30 and to the natives of 
India 15 dollars each. The Government also began to show 
a strong inclination to come to terms. 



CAPTUBE OF WOOSUNG AND SHANGHAI. 

Ships engaged at Woosung, 16th June, 1843 : — ' Cornwallis,' 
72, Captain P. Richards ; ' Blonde,' 42, Captain E. Bourchier ; 
' North Star,' 26, Captain Sir E. Home, Bart. ; ' Modeste,' 
18, Commander E. B. "Watson ; ' Columbine,' 16, Com- 
mander "William H. Morshead ; ' Clio,' 16, Commander E. 
K Troubridge; 'Algerine,' 10, Lieut. William Maitland. 
Honourable E. I. C. steamers : — ' Sesostris,' Commander 
Ormsby, I. K; ' Nemesis,' Lieut. "W. H. Hall, E. 1ST. ; ' Phle- 
gethon,' Lieut. J. J. M'Cleverty, E. N. ; ' Pluto,' Lieut. 
John Tudor, E. N. ; ' Tenasserim,' Master Commanding P. 
"Wall ; ' Medusa,' Lieut. H. Hewitt, 1. 1ST. 

The 27th of May, and the following day, were employed 
in embarking the troops, when the fleet sailed and anchored 
on the 29th, in a safe sound forty miles to the eastward of 
Chapoo, discovered by Captains Kellett and Collinson. 
Some days were spent in examining the entrance to the 
Yangtze river. On the 5th, they stood up towards it, and 
anchored a little to the eastward of the mouth on the 8th. 



120 WAE IX CHINA. 

Captain AYatson, in the ' Modeste,' was then sent with the 
' Nemesis' and ' Pluto' to examine the river AYoosung, and to 
interrupt the communications. The AYoosung river empties 
itself into the Yangtze, about twenty-five miles up its 
southern branch. The town of "Woosung, which was now 
fortified with one hundred and seventy-five guns, and garri- 
soned with the choicest Tartar troops, stands on the mouth 
of the river of that name. Whenever an opportunity pre- 
sented itself for performing any spirited piece of work, Mr. 
Hall, the Commander of the ' Xemesis,' never lost it. The 
night of the 11th of June was very dark, and it occurred to 
him that he might take advantage of it to reconnoitre the 
batteries. His ship was anchored close in shore, but in con- 
consequence of a strong tide he was unable to communicate 
with his superior officer, Captain "Watson, as the c Modeste' 
lay much farther off. Ordering therefore his cutter away, 
he sounded the channel leading to Woosung, and then pulled 
under the very batteries themselves. Screened by the dark- 
ness and the noise of the wind and surf, he landed on the beach 
and crept up to the walls, when looking through the embra- 
sures, he saw one of the mandarines going his rounds with 
two soldiers, one of whom carried a large paper lantern. He 
was strongly tempted to call up his boat's crew, and to carry 
off the officer and his attendants, but fortunately prudence 
restrained him, as there would have been no good object 
attained by so doing. Contenting himself, therefore, with 
the work he had already performed, he returned on board. The 
' Clio,' ' Bentinck,' ' Starling,' and two transports had been 
stationed as beacons to mark the channel, and on the 13th, 
the Admiral, with the ' Cornwallis,' ' Blonde,' l Columbine,' 
1 Jupiter,' ' Phlegethon,' ' Tenasserim,' ' Medusa,' and twelve 
transports, reached the mouth of the Woosung river, there 
about a mile wide. The batteries extend for about three 
miles along the banks, and opposite them is another strong 
and high fort built of brick. Two miles in the rear of the 
town is the large town of Paonshan. 

The Admiral having surveyed the river in the little 



CAPTURE OF WOOSUNG AND SHANGHAI. 121 

1 Medusa,' fixed the morning of the 16th to make the pro- 
jected attack. All the ships were towed into their stations 
by the steamers lashed alongside them, with the exception 
of the ' Algerine,' which stood in under sail. 

The ' Blonde' and ' Cornwallis' led in towards the batte- 
ries, towed by the ' Tenasserim' and ' Sesostris,' and received 
the fire of the Chinese, which was opened with much spirit, 
without returning a shot until they had anchored by the 
stern in excellent positions. The ' Modeste,' under Captain 
"Watson, towed by the ' Nemesis,' then led the light squadron 
towards the creek above the village, to oppose a strong bat- 
tery of ten brass guns, receiving a well-directed fire from the 
whole line of batteries. The men on board the ' Nemesis' 
were ordered to lie down at quarters till she had placed the 
1 Modeste' in a good position. Further up the river fourteen 
war-junks appeared, and four paddle-wheel vessels, intended 
to imitate steamers. The ' Nemesis' was sent to attack 
them, but as soon as they felt the effects of her fire, their 
crews ceased working their guns, and their Admiral set the 
example of running away. Just then the ' North Star,' Sir 
Everard Home, was observed off the mouth of the river, 
having just arrived in time to partake in the action to the 
great satisfaction of her officers and crew. The ' Tenasserim' 
was sent to tow her up, when she was placed ahead of the 
' Blonde.' The ' Nemesis' having got on shore while pursu- 
ing the junks, Mr. Gralbraith was sent away in command of 
her boats to capture and destroy them, in which work Lieut. 
M'Cleverty, in the ' Phlegethon,' was likewise employed. 
The ' Modeste' had been made fast to a jetty, in which posi- 
tion she soon silenced the fort with her guns and small arms. 
The pinnace, under Mr. Birch, was sent on shore to take pos- 
session of the fort and to spike the guns, when he had some 
skirmishing with the rear-guard of the Chinese ; and at the 
same time the ' Columbine' and 'Pluto' coming up, poured 
in their fire on the retreating columns. 

The ' Cornwallis,' ' Blonde,' and ' Pluto,' having been for 
some time hotly engaged with the batteries, compelled them 



122 WAR DT CHINA. 

to slacken their fire, on seeing which, Captain "Watson 
landed with the marines and small-arm men of the ' Mo- 
deste,' ' Colnmbine,' and ' Clio,' within the creek, for the 
pnrpose of turning the enemy's flank, and of cutting off 
their retreat. A strong body of Chinese were now disco- 
vered lying down under cover of the embankment. On this, 
forming his men, he gallantly made a dash at them, across 
several wooden bridges over the ditch, and was received with 
a heavy fire of matchlocks and gingals. As he advanced they 
retreated slowly and steadily, planting their gingals in the 
only path by which they could be approached. Ten of his 
men being wounded, and his party being slightly scattered, 
he drew them up to reform them outside the embankment, 
when the Chinese, rushing out, brandished their spears, and 
threw a volley of hand-grenades towards them, though hap- 
pily over their heads. On Captain Bourchier perceiving 
that Captain Watson was hotly engaged with vastly superior 
numbers, he landed with a party from the ' Blonde ' to his 
aid. Just then Captain Watson and his followers made a 
dash at the Chinese, but so firmly did they stand their ground 
that the spear and bayonet were again for a moment crossed, 
though the enemy were forced to retreat behind some houses, 
where they, however, quickly rallied. 

At this juncture, Captains Peter Richards and Sir Everard 
Home, accompanied by the Admiral, had got on shore with 
the marines and some seamen of their ships, who, being- 
formed, speedily drove the enemy out of the whole line of 
batteries. A small party, under Lieutenant Maitland, had 
landed from the ' ALgerine,' and before aid could be sent, 
it had suffered somewhat from the overwhelming force he had 
boldly ventured to attack. 

Captain Ormsby, in the ■ Sesostris,' had, during these 
events, been engaged with the battery on the east side of 
the river, which having silenced, he landed with the small- 
arm men from his ship and the ' Tenasserhn,' and took pos- 
session of it. 

In consequence of most of the steamers having taken the 



CAPTURE OF WOOSUNG AND SHANGHAI. 123 

ground, the troops could not be landed till the engagement 
was over ; as soon, however, as they could be put on shore, 
Sir Hugh Grough led them in the direction of Paoushan, 
towards which town a considerable portion of the Chinese 
army had fled. Major- General Schoedde took possession of 
the town without opposition, the Chinese, it was found 
having passed on towards Soochow-foo. The Chinese lost 
about 200 men, and 250 guns were captured. The loss of 
the British consisted of one officer, Lieutenant Hewitt, and 
one seaman killed, and three officers, Mr. Purvis, midship- 
man of the ' Blonde,' and Mr. A. J. Smith, mate, and Mr. 
Roberts, master of the ' Sesostris,' and 15 seamen, together 
with one corporal, and five royal marines, and one Bombay 
artilleryman wounded, many very severely. 

The next day H.M.S. i Dido,' the Hon. Captain Keppel, 
and some reinforcements of troops arrived. On the 19th 
several batteries on the river having been destroyed, the 
steamers conveyed up one portion of the troops, while 
another marched by land towards the important city of 
Shanghai. It was entered without opposition, and order 
within its gates was soon re-established, the respectable por- 
tion of the inhabitants treating the conquerors as friends 
rather than enemies : 171 guns were captured in it. It was 
found to be full of stores, and a place of great commercial 
importance. The river, for 30 miles above the city, was 
surveyed by the steamers. The next day Sir Henry Pottinger 
arrived from Hong Kong to receive any overtures for peace 
which might be made by the Chinese. 



124 WAR IX CHINA. 



CAPTURE OF CRTN-KEANC-FOO, AND ENTRY OF SIR H. 
POTTINGER INTO NANKIN ; WITH CONCLUDING RE^IARKS, 

July 21st, 1842. 

"We at lengtli come to the last and crowning victory of the 
British in China. 

Considerahle reinforcements haying arrived, it was at 
length resolved to advance on Nankin itself, the ancient 
capital of the empire, as the most certain vray of bringing 
the Chinese to terms. To reach that city the Admiral had 
determined to conduct his fleet, consisting of nearly 80 sail, 
including two line-of-battle ships, up the great river Yang- 
tze, into the very heart of the empire, 200 miles from the 
sea. 

Commanders Kellett and Collins on were, in the first 
place, sent up in the ' Phlegethon,' to sound the river, and 
to buoy the channel for the advance of the squadron, accom- 
panied by the masters of the ships of war. Few or no 
impediments were discovered, but water for the largest ships 
was found right up to Nankin. The river Tang-tze is one of 
the largest in the world, and is supposed to take its rise in 
the farthest mountains of Thibet, traversing the whole em- 
pire, and to be navigable the entire distance. 

It redounds much to the credit of the naval service that a 
fleet of nearly 80 sail was carried up to the walls of Nankin 
and brought safely back. This was owing to the Admiral's 
excellent arrangements and clear orders, to the alacrity paid 
by the commanders to signals, and to having boats ready 
for* any emergency. 

On the 6th of July the fleet, consisting of the following 
ships, got under weigh : — 

The advanced squadron was formed of the ' Starling,' 6, 
Commander Kellett, and ' Plover,' 6, Commander Collinson, 
surveying vessels; ' ALodeste,' 18, Commander E. B. "Watson: 



CAPTURE OF CHIN-KEANG-FOO. 125 

' Clio,' 16, Coininander T. Troubridge ; ' Columbine,' 16, 
Commander Morshead ; ' Childers,' 16, Commander Hal- 
stead ; H. C. steamer ' Phlegethon,' Lieut. M'Cleverty, R.N.; 
H. C. steamer ' Pluto,' Lieut. Tudor, I.N. ; H. C. steamer 
' Medusa,' Lieut. Hewitt, R.N. ; H. C. ' Nemesis,' Com- 
mander Hall, R.N. ; H. C. steamer ' Proserpine,' Comman- 
der J. J. Hough, R.N. ; H. M. S. ' Cornwallis,' 72, Captain 
Richards, flag-ship of Vice-Admiral Sir "William Parker, 
O.C.B. 

First Division. — H. M. S. ' Calliope,' 26, Captain A. S. 
Kuper, C.B. ; H. M. armed steamer ' Vixen,' Commander 
H. Boyes ; 'Marion' transport, with Lieut.- General Sir H. 
Glough and staff ; seven transports, with Sappers and Miners, 
followers, &c. 

Second Division. — H. M. S. l Blonde,' 42, Captain T. Bour- 
chier, C.B. ; H. C. steamer ' Auckland,' Commander Ether- 
sey, LIST. ; ten transports, conveying Artillery Brigade and 
horses, &c. 

Third Division. — H. M. troop-ship i Belleisle,' Captain T. 
Kingcomb, having on board Major-Greneral Lord Saltoun 
and H. M. 98th Regiment ; H. M. troop-ship ' Jupiter,' 
Master Commanding Gr. Hofimeister, with H. M. 26th Re- 
giment ; nine transports, conveying Bengal Volunteers, with 
flank companies 41st M. N. I. 

Fourth Division. — H. M. S. ' Endymion,' 44, Captain the 
Hon. T. W. G-rey ; H. C. steamer ' Sesostris,' Commander 
H. A. Ormsby, I.N. ; 13 transports, conveying H. M. 55th 
Regiment, with the 2nd and 6th Regiments M. N. I., and 
the Madras Rifle Company. 

Fifth Division.— -H. .M. S. ' Dido,' 20, Captain the Hon. 
H. Keppel ; H. C. steamer ' Tenasserim,' Master Com- 
manding P. "Wall ; H. M. troop-ship ' Apollo,' Commander 
Frederick, with H. M. 49th Regiment ; H. M. troop-ship 
'Rattlesnake,' Master Commanding James Sprent, with 
H. M. 18th Regiment ; eight transports, conveying the re- 
mainder of the 18th and 49th Regiments, together with the 
14th M. N. I. 



126 WAR 1ST CHINA. 

This imposing fleet passed up the river without any oppo- 
sition, the Chinese haying even withdrawn their guns from 
most of the towns on its hanks to escape the injury they 
expected would be inflicted had they made any hostile de- 
monstration. At Seshan, however, about 15 miles below 
Chin-Keang-foo, some batteries at the foot of a hill, mount- 
ing some 20 guns, opened their fire on the ' Pluto ' and 
' ISTemesis,' as those vessels were surveying in advance ; and 
on the following day, having fired on the ' Modeste,' she 
very speedily drove out their garrisons, and destroyed them 
completely. 

On the 16th the naval and military Commanders-in-Chief 
went up the river in the ' Vixen,' followed by the ' Medusa,' 
to reconnoitre the approaches to Chin-Keang-foo. They 
approached the entrance of the Imperial Canal, which passes 
close to the city Avails. It is one of the greatest works in 
China for facilitating the internal water communication 
through the country. As no soldiers were seen on the 
walls, and no other preparations for defence were visible, it 
was hoped that no resistance would be offered, and that thus 
any effusion of blood would be spared. "When, however, 
some of the officers landed on Grolden Island, which is oppo- 
site the mouth of the Great Canal, and climbed to the top 
of the Pagoda, which is in the centre of the island, they dis- 
covered three large encampments on the slope of the hills to 
the south-west of the city, which showed that the Chinese 
had a large army ready to defend the city if they would 
venture to employ it. The British land force consisted of 
about 7,000 men of all arms. It had been determined that 
none of the ships-of-war should be engaged in the attack. 
The 'Auckland' was therefore the only vessel which fired into 
the city when employed in covering the landing of the troops. 
On the evening of the 20th all preparations were completed 
for the attack, which was to take place at daylight the next 
day. A body of seamen and marines, however, under Captain 
Peter Richards, took an active part in the engagement, ac- 
companied by Sir William Parker, who forced his way with 



CAPTURE OF CHIN-KEANG-FOO. 127 

the General through the gates of the city. Lord Saltomi's 
brigade was the first on shore, and gallantly attacking the 
Chinese, encamped outside the walls, soon drove them over 
the hills. General Schoedde's brigade, however, was re- 
ceived by a hot fire of guns, gingals, and matchlocks, and in 
consequence he gave orders for immediately escalading the 
walls. The Tartars fought with the most determined bravery, 
often in hand-to-hand combats, and several of the British 
officers and men were wounded. The walls were soon scaled ; 
and as the troops scoured them to the right and left, they 
fell in with Sir Hugh and Sir William, who had forced their 
way in at the gate, while Captains Peter Richards and 
"Watson, with the seamen and marines, had scaled the walls 
in another direction. Still in the interior of the city the 
Tartars held every house and street where they could hope 
to make a stand, determined to sell their lives dearly ; and 
often, when driven back by superior force, they, with perfect 
deliberation, put an end to their own lives, and frequently 
those of their wives and children. "While these events were 
taking place, another of a more naval character was enacting 
elsewhere. The ' Blonde ' was anchored off the mouth of 
the Grand Canal, and her boats had been employed in the 
morning in landing the artillery brigade. At 10 o'clock 
they Avere ordered away to carry some of the artillery, with 
two howitzers, up the canal, to create a diversion in favour 
of the troops. They were under the command of Lieut. 
Crouch, of the ' Blonde,' who had with him Messrs. Lam- 
bert, Jenkins, and Lyons, midshipmen. The barge, cutter, 
and flat were a little in advance, when, coining suddenly in 
sight of the west gate of the city, they were assailed by a 
heavy fire of gingals and matchlocks from the whole line of 
the city wall, running parallel with the canal. As the wall 
was nearly 40 feet high, the gun in the barge could not be 
elevated sufficiently to do service, and the fire of the musketry 
was ineffectual. Lieut. Crouch and Mr. Lyons, midshipman, 
2 artillery officers, 16 seamen, and 8 artillerymen were 
wounded. As it would have been madness to have remained 



128 war m CHINA. 

longer than necessary exposed to such a fire, the men leaped 
from the boats, which they abandoned, and took shelter 
under cover of some houses in the suburbs. The crews of 
the launch and pinnace, however, which were some way 
astern, remained under cover of some buildings, and escaped 
without loss. Lieut. Crouch's party now saw that their 
only chance of escape was to join the latter, though to do so 
they would have to pass across a wide space, exposed to the 
fire from the walls. They succeeded, however, in doing this 
without loss, and in getting on board the two boats : the whole 
party returned down the canal to the ' Cornwallis,' when 
they reported what had happened to Captain Richards. They 
were compelled to leave some of the wounded behind, and it 
is satisfactory to report that they were kindly treated by the 
Chinese — a strong proof of the advantage of the example set 
by the British. 

As soon as Captain Richards was informed of the circum- 
stances which had occurred, he landed with 200 marines, 
at the entrance of the Canal, where he was joined by 300 
men of the 6th Madras native infantry, under Captain Mac- 
lean. 

This body then made their way through the suburbs, to 
escalade the city walls. At the same time the boats of the 
' Cornwallis,' under Lieut. Stoddart, with those of the 
' Blonde,' pulled up the Canal, with orders to bring off the 
boats and guns which had been left behind, and to endea- 
vour to check the fire of the Chinese, while Captain Richards' 
party were engaged in escalading the walls. As soon as 
Captain Richards landed, he was joined by Captain "Watson 
and Mr. Eorster, master of the ' Modeste,' with a boat's 
crew, and a small body of seamen of that ship. A quantity 
of rubbish was found near the walls, on which the ladders 
were planted by Captains Peter Richards and "Watson, when, 
in face of a strong body of Tartars, who opened a tremendous 
fire on them, they began the hazardous ascent. Captain 
Richards escaped unhurt ; but Captain Watson was wounded, 
as was Lieut. Baker, of the Madras Artillery : and a marine 



CAPTURE OF CHIST-KEANG-FOO. 129 

who, with them, was one of the first on the walls, was 
killed. At this juncture Lieut. Pitzjames brought up some 
rockets and lodged one in a guard-house, which, catching fire, 
threw the enemy into such consternation that they gave way, 
followed by Captain Richards, who, at the head of his men, 
had jumped down into an open space between two gate- 
ways. It was just then that the gate was blown open by 
powder-bags ; and Sir William Parker, with the third 
brigade, under General Bartley, accompanied by Sir Hugh 
G-ough, dashed over its ruins. Several officers and a large 
number of men suffered from the effects of the hot sun. The 
naval brigade having, in consequence, rested for some time in 
a guard-house, on hearing some firing again sallied out, when 
they were met by a sudden fire from a body of Tartars, drawn 
up across a street, behind a small gateway. ■ Here Lieut. 
Pitzjames was wounded, as were several of the men. The 
British, however, uttering a loud cheer, attacked the Tartars 
with such fury that they were soon driven back, and put to 
flight, when numbers fell by their own hands. The city was 
speedily in entire possession of the British, when every 
means was taken to spare life, to prevent plunder, and to re- 
store order. "We must not omit to speak of the gallantry of 
several naval officers mentioned by Sir Hugh Gough. 
Having heard that the canal was fordable, he had sent Major 
G-ough to ascertain the fact, accompanied by Captain Loch, 
R,. INT., who acted as an amateur throughout the campaign, 
as the General's extra aid-de-camp, and Lieut. Hodgson, 
of the * Cornwallis,' as also by Lieut. Heatley. Instantly 
rushing down the bank, the four officers plunged into the 
canal, and swam across, thus proving the impracticability 
of fording it. The city was now completely in the power of 
the British ; but in consequence of the bad drainage, and 
the number of dead bodies left in the houses, the cholera 
broke out, and raged with fearful violence among the troops, 
even though they were removed to an encampment outside 
the walls. The number of Tartars who destroyed themselves 
and families was very great ; while much damage was com- 

K 



130 WAE IN CHINA. 

mitted by the Chinese plunderers, who flocked in from the 
country, and pillaged in every direction ; yet, although the 
place had been taken by assault, none of the British troops 
were allowed to plunder or to commit violence of any de- 
scription. 

The total loss of the British forces at the capture of Chin- 
keang-foo was : — 

Killed. — 3 officers, 2 Serjeants, and 29 rank and -file. 

"Wounded. — 14 officers, 1 warrant- officer, 4 Serjeants, and 
87 rank and file of the military arm. 

In the naval battalion 1 officer of marines, and 2 privates 
were killed, and 2 privates wounded ; and 4 officers, and 15 
seamen wounded. 

"While this affair was taking place, the ' Dido,' ' Childers,' 
' Blonde,' ' Modeste,' ' Proserpine,' ' Nemesis,' and ' Queen,' 
were employed in blockading the mouths of the Grand Canal 
above the city, where they detained a vast number of 
trading junks. They also were engaged in obtaining fresh 
provisions for the fleet, which were strictly paid for. The 
officers had indeed established friendly relations with the 
authorities of some of the neighbouring towns ; and it is 
worthy of remark, that they were actually enjoying the hos- 
pitality of some of them while the attack on Chin-keang-foo 
was taking place. 

These triumphant successes of the British had at length 
brought the Emperor to reason, and when the fleet and the 
troops were brought in reality before the walls of Nankin, he 
no longer concealed his anxiety to sue for peace. The cap- 
ture of the trading junks had also struck a heavy blow at the 
commerce of the country, the worse effects of which he was 
eager to avert. General Schoedde's brigade, with a few 
other troops were left to occupy the heights round Chin- 
keang-foo, while the expedition proceeded on to Nankin. 

It was not, however, till the 4th of August that, in con- 
sequence of the prevalence of contrary winds, the fleet 
could stem the current of the Tang-tse-keang, when the 
transports with Lord Saltoun's brigade,- were able to proceed. 



CAPTUEE OF CHIST-KEANG-FOO. 131 

1 The Queen/ having Sir Henry Pottinger on board, 
towed np the ' Marion,' head-quarter ship, and on the 5th 
anchored off Nankin. The ' CornwaUis ' had got up on the 
previous day, but the entire fleet did not reach the anchorage 
till the 9th. The walls of the city surround an immense 
space, containing within them a separate Tartar city. 
Perhaps not more than an eighth part is covered with houses. 

The British force consisted of 4,500 effective men, besides 
the marines and seamen of the ships. It was thought neces- 
sary to make a demonstration to bring the Chinese more 
speedily to terms. 

The ' Cornwallis,' ' Blonde,' and heavy steamers, were 
accordingly placed in position, the first within 1,000 paces 
of the Ifung gate, with her broadside bearing on a sort 
of demi-bastion, which it was proposed to breach; the 
' Blonde,' so as to take the defence of that bastion in flank ; 
and the steamers so as to destroy the parapet of the wall on 
either side the point to be breached. 

General Bartley's brigade was to enter at this point, 
while Lord Saltoun's was to attack the opposite gate. For- 
tunately these demonstrations had their due effect on the 
Chinese. 

The true state of affairs was represented to the Emperor, 
and on the 20th of August, his Commissioner came on 
board the l Cornwallis,' with authority to treat for peace. 
On the 24th, the visit was returned by Sir Henry Pottinger, 
Sir Hugh Gough, Sir "William Parker, and upwards of a 
hundred officers. 

On the 29th, the treaty of peace for which the British had 
been for so long contending was happily signed on board 
the ' Cornwallis' by Sir Henry Pottinger, on the part of 
Great Britain, and by Ke-ying, Elepoo, and New-Kien, on 
the part of the Emperor of China. 

The following were the most important provisions of the 
treaty : — 

1st. The establishment of lasting peace and friendship 
between the two empires. 

k2 



-132 WAR DT CHINA, 

2nd. China was to pay 21,000,000 dollars in the course of 
the present and three succeeding years, to defray the ex- 
penses of the war. 

3rd. The ports of Canton, Amoy, Too-choo-foo, Mngpo, 
and Shang-hae, were to be thrown open to British mer- 
chants. Consular officers were to be appointed to reside at 
them ; and regular and just tariffs of import and export, as 
well as inland transit duties, were to be established and pub- 
lished. 

4th. The island of Hong Kong was ceded in perpetuity, 
to Her Britannic Majesty, Her heirs, and successors. 

5th. All subjects of Her Britannic Majesty, whether 
natives of Europe or India, imprisoned in any part of the 
Chinese empire, were to be unconditionally released. 

6th. An. Act of full and entire amnesty was to be pub- 
lished by the emperor, under his imperial sign-manual, and 
sent to all Chinese subjects, on account of their having held 
service under the British Grovernment or its officers. 

7th. Correspondence was to be conducted on terms of 
perfect equality between the officers of both Governments. 

8th. On the Emperor's assent being received to this 
treaty, and on the payment of the first 6,000,000 dollars, 
Her Britannic Majesty's forces were to retire from jSankin 
and the Grand Canal, and also from their position at Chin- 
hae ; but the islands of Chusan and Ku-lang-sin were to be 
held until the money payment and the arrangements for 
opening the ports were completed. 

"We give the above articles of the treaty to show the 
moderation of the terms dictated by the conquerors, and to 
prove that the only object the British had in carrying on the 
war, was the establishment of a lasting peace and a perma- 
nent commercial intercourse with the Chinese. 

It has been the custom somewhat to disparage the war in 
China, and to speak of the Chinese as contemptible and 
cowardly in the extreme. 

Their mode of fighting was certainly different to that 
of the British ; but we have shown that they are possessed of 



CAPTUEE OF CHDT-KEANG-FOO. 133 

as much perseverance and personal bravery as can be exhi- 
bited by any people in the world ; and that with more 
science and practical experience, they would indeed have 
been formidable enemies. 

The war was thus ended. The troops returned to India, 
and the ships were dispersed over various parts of the world. 
We shall have to record the exploits of several of them, 
named in this account, in our future pages. 

Late events have shown that the consequences of this war 
have been far more serious than was at first supposed. By 
it, a tremendous blow was struck at the despotic power 
of the Emperor, and his subjects were taught to despise the 
man who was compelled to succumb before a people whom 
he had contemptuously designated as barbarians. The 
Chinese were also taught to respect the British, and to dis- 
cover their own deficiences, which, acute and quicksighted as 
they are, they have made many efforts to remedy. A power- 
ful party was soon after organized, which has within the two 
last years obtained power sufficient to threaten the over, 
throw of the Tartar rule, and which proposes the re-esta. 
blishment of a native monarchy, the reformation of govern- 
ment, the improvement of science and education, and the 
purification of religion. If the liberal party succeed, as 
there is every probability it will, we may hope to see 
not only China opened to the commerce of the world, but 
the blessings of civilization, and Christianity itself, diffused 
throughout that fertile and wealth-producing land. 

If such prove to be the results of the war in China, 
we have no cause to repine at the cost. 

"While the British fleet remained in the China Seas, 
several gallant acts, well worthy of record, were performed 
by some of the officers of the ships. I possess notes of a 
few of them, which I give, though I am well aware that 
many other traits of courage were exhibited (independent of 
the gallantry all displayed in action) of which I have no 
accounts. 



134 WAR IN CHINA. 



GALLANTRY OF MR. H. F. M'KILLOP, MIDSHIPMAN OF 
H.M.S. < BELLEISLE,' 

June, 1842. 

" At daylight, on the 15th of June, 1842, when H.M.S. 
' Belleisle,' Captain Kingcome, was at anchor in one of the 
passages to the entrance of Chnsan, in the China Sea, when 
there was a strong tide running, Mr. H. I\ M'Killop, 
midshipman, was heard to cry, ' A man overboard! — I'll 
jump after him.' The quarter-master said, ' Tou had better 
not, sir ; there is a very strong tide running.' The reply 
was, * I will — the man can't swim.' He instantly plunged 
overboard, and, to the satisfaction of all, he was seen to lay 
hold of the man, whom he kept afloat for a considerable 
period, until the boat had been lowered, and sent to pick 
them both up." 



COTTBAGE OF ME. TTTENEE, MATE OP H.M.S. ' SEEPEKT,' 

August, 1842. 

" On the 8th of August, 1842, the pinnace, belonging to 
H.M.S. ' Serpent,' was caught in a gale of wind, in Chimmo 
Bay, China. At midnight, a heavy squall caused a junk 
she was riding by to drive, forcing the pinnace so suddenly 
ahead that, in her heavy pitching, she foundered. In a 
moment, seven men were struggling for their lives, five of 
whom were saved by the extraordinary exertions of Mr- 
Turner (mate), who, in his praiseworthy efforts, was nearly 
jammed between two junks, and was only just hauled up in 
time, but not before he had seen two of his best men hauled 
up before him." 



ACTS OF GALLANTRY. 135 

seaman's life sated by lieutenant r. c. whyte, 

January, 1844. 

" On the 15th of January, 1844, at which time H.M.S. 
' Pelican ' was lying in the Ningpo River, on the north- 
eastern coast of China, a seaman, named Joseph White, 
while working in the main-rigging, missed his hold, and 
fell overboard. Lieut. Robert C. Whyte, senior of that 
ship, in the most gallant manner, instantly jumped after 
him, with his clothes on ; and, although the man had sunk 
twice, and was actually swept by the rapidity of the tide 
under the bow of a large Chinese boat, succeeded in saving 
him. It was the greatest chance that Lieut. Whyte' s life 
was not sacrificed in this his gallant attempt. Prom the 
well-known rapid tide, and dangerous undertow in the large 
rivers of China, particularly the Ningpo, it had always been 
supposed that any person falling overboard would inevitably 
have been drowned; and so strong was this opinion on 
board, which was well known to Lieut. Whyte at the time, 
that the ship's company had always refrained from bathing 
during the fine seasons. 

" This was the second time in which Lieut. Whyte suc- 
ceeded in saving this seaman's life, and the third man he 
had saved within a very few months." 

LIE UTS. CALDWELL AND VANSITTART, R.N., HONG KONG-, 

December, 1843. 

" On the 13th of December, 1843, as the men of H.M.S. 

' Agincourt,' at Hong Kong, were exercising aloft, one of them 
unfortunately lost his hold, and fell from the main-yard arm : 
striking against the rigging, he bounded with frightful force 
from the spare topsail-yard, and fell insensible into the sea. 
Lieuts. Caldwell and Vansittart instantly dashed overboard 
after him ; the former officer was, however, from his position, 
unable to make way against the tide, and to reach the sinking 
man. Happily, Mr. Yansittart was nearer to him, and 



136 WAR IX CHINA. 

with almost superhuman exertions (being burdened with 
the whole of his uniform), saved the poor fellow's life, sup- 
porting him for a considerable time, until a boat could be 
lowered. This gallant action endeared the young officers 
to every man on board." 



THE LIFE OE THE HCKS". FREDERICK WILLIAM WALPOLE 
SAVED BY ME. B. DEW, MATE OF H.M.S. ' COLLrNGWOOD/ 
AT CALLAO, 

August 20th, 1844. 

Her Majesty's ship ' Collingwood,' Captain E. Smart, was 
lying off the port of Callao, in China, on the 20th of August, 
1844. There were at the time two mates on board, Mr. Eo- 
deriek Dew and the Hon. Frederick "William \Valpole. The 
latter officer had, it appears, in the afternoon gone on board 
a cutter-yacht belonging to a gentleman at Callao. As night 
came on there was a fresh breeze blowing, which knocked up 
a short chopping sea. It was also very dark, so that objects 
at any distance from the ship could scarcely be discerned. 
The officer of the first watch on that night was Lieutenant 
Richard E. Quin, and the mate of the watch was Mr. E. 
Dew. In those seas the currents run very rapidly, and 
where the ship lay there was a very strong tide. Just as the 
quarter-masters had gone below to call the officers of the 
middle watch, it being then close upon 12 o'clock, the look- 
out man forward reported a boat ahead under sail. The 
Lieutenant of the watch, on going to the gangway, observed 
a small cutter on the starboard bow, which, as well as he 
could make out, through the obscurity, appeared to be hove- 
to. He judged, from the position of the cutter, that she 
wished to communicate with the ship, but it was impossible 
to see what was taking place on board her. Shortly after- 
wards a dark object was observed on the water on the star- 
board bow approaching the ship, but it did not look like a 
boat. "When it was at the distance of 70 or 80 yards, it was 
hailed by the sentry. An answer was returned, but too in- 



ACTS OF GALLANTRY. 137 

distinctly for the officers aft to understand what was said. 
The sentry, however, on the forecastle seems to have made 
out the answer, for he instantly sung out the startling cry of 
" A man overboard !" JN~o boats were down at the time, and 
in that hot tideway in another minute the drowning man 
would have been swept past the ship, and carried, in all pro- 
bability, out to sea, where he must have perished. Mr. Dew 
was forward ; whether or not he knew who was the person 
in peril of his life, I cannot say, probably any human being 
would equally have claimed his aid ; but without a moment's 
hesitation, he jumped fearlessly overboard, and swam to the 
assistance of the man he supposed was drowning. He struck 
out bravely, but could not at first succeed in the object for 
which he was aiming. Meantime the order for lowering a 
boat was given, but long before she was got into the water, 
the figure of a human being was discerned close to the ship. 
The sentry again hailed, when a voice, which was recognised 
as that of Mr. "Walpole's, answered with a cry for help. 
Mr. Dew cheered him up, by letting him know that he was 
coming to his assistance, and very soon after he got up to 
him, and found him clinging to a small boat, full of water, 
and as he was encumbered with a heavy pea-coat, holding on 
with the greatest difficulty. Mr. Dew, who was lightly clad 
and fresh, enabled him to guide the swamped boat up to the 
ship, near which the current was of itself carrying her. As 
they passed near the gangway a coil of rope was hove to 
them, which they getting hold of, the boat was hauled along- 
side, and Mr. "Walpole and his gallant preserver, Mr. Dew, 
were brought safely upon deck. Mr. "Walpole then gave an 
account of the accident which had befallen him. He had 
shoved off from the cutter in her dingy, which was very soon 
swamped, and as the tide would not allow him to regain her, 
he was being carried rapidly to destruction, and would, he 
gratefully asserted, have inevitably perished, had it not been 
for the heroic conduct of Mr. Dew, who, under Providence, 
was thus the means of preserving his life. 



( 138 ) 
CAPTUKE OF THE CAETHAGENIAN ELEET, 

BY LIEUT. DE COURCY, 

February, 1841. 

A3iois T a the numerous states which have arisen from the 
fragments of the Spanish empire in South America is that of 
Carthagena on the northern coast, and on the eastern shore 
at the entrance of the Gulf of Darien. The inhabitants, 
like those of all the other states of Spanish origin on that 
continent, have continually been quarrelling among each 
other, and one party has always been found ready to set up 
a Dictator, President, or Governor in opposition to the man 
who happens to be in power. It appears that the British 
brig ' Jane and Sarah,' in company with a sloop called the 
Little "William,' were lying at Sapote, a harbour of Car- 
'thagena, when, on the 6th of February, 1841, some Cartha- 
genian ships-of-war, under the orders of General Carmona, 
attacked the two vessels and plundered them, to a large 
amount, of goods and specie. A Colonel Gregg and other 
passengers, together with their crews, were taken on shore 
and imprisoned. "We are not aware of what crime Colonel 
Gregg and the other persons were accused. They found 
means, however, to communicate their condition to the Bri- 
tish Consul resident at Carthagena, who immediately inter- 
terested himself on their behalf, and applied to the government 
for their release. His intercession was perfectly unsuccessful. 
As soon, therefore, as he was able, he sent off a despatch to 
Lieutenant De Courcy, commanding Her Majesty's brig 
' Charybdis,' stationed on the coast to protect British inte- 
rests, and which was fortunately then in the neighbourhood. 
Immediately on receiving the communication, Lieutenant 
De Courcy came off the port of Carthagena, and despatched 
a boat, with an officer, bearing a letter to the Commodore of 



CAPTUEE OF CAETHAGENIAN FLEET. IS 9 

the squadron, then at anchor inside, demanding the release 
of Colonel Gregg and the other British subjects. 

The Carthagenian squadron consisted of a corvette, a brig, 
and three schooners-of-war. When the officer got on board 
the corvette, he found the Commodore, who treated him with 
great insolence, observing, that as the letter was not written 
in Spanish, he could not understand it, and therefore could 
not receive it, treating the threatened interference with the 
greatest contempt. The unfortunate Colonel Gregg, it ap- 
pears, was shot immediately after the application for his 
release had been made, so that, probably, the Commodore 
was acting under the orders of the Government, who were 
little aware of the punishment they were about to draw 
down on the head of the Commander of their ships. As 
soon as the British officer had returned on board the 
' Charybdis,' and reported these circumstances, Lieut. De 
Courcy determined to compel attention to his communica- 
tions. The ' Charybdis ' was rated as a 6-gun brig, but she 
carried only, one long gun amidships, and two carronades, 
and her full complement of officers and men was but 55. 
Nothing daunted, however, he boldly entered the port, and 
was passing up to an anchorage, when, without any provoca- 
tion, he was fired into by the corvette, the Commodore's vessel, 
and the forestay of the ' Charybdis ' was shot away. This was 
an insult not for an instant to be borne, and, in spite of the 
small size of his vessel, and the apparently overwhelming force 
opposed to him, he immediately took up a position, and opened 
his fire on the corvette. His officers and crew enthusiastically 
seconded him, and working their guns with a will, so rapidly 
was their fire delivered, and so well was it directed, that in 
a short time, the corvette hauled down her colours and 
surrendered, when, on taking possession of her, it was 
found that the Commodore and 25 of his men had been 
lolled. In the mean time, a brig-of-war had been coming 
down to the assistance of the corvette, followed by three 
schooners, and scarcely had the first been disposed of, when 
she came into action. Unexhausted by their exertions, 



140 CAPTUEE OF CARTHAGENIAN FLEET. 

the gallant crew of the * Charybdis ' fought their guns as 
before, and, in five minutes after they had been brought to 
bear on the brig, she sank, and in a short time, the schooners, 
after exchanging a few shots, also surrendered. Thus, in 
the course of less than an hour, the whole of the Carthagenian 
squadron was captured and destroyed, — the victor remaining 
at anchor in their port, with his prizes, to await the decision 
of the Admiral on the station as to their disposal. Although, 
probably, the vessels of the enemy were neither well-found 
nor well-manned, still, their force was so immensely superior 
to that of the British brig, that we must allow, that not a 
more spirited or gallant action has been performed since Her 
Majesty came to the throne than that of Lieut. De 
Courcy's capture of the Carthagenian fleet. He, in con- 
sequence, at once received his promotion to the rank of 
Commander. 



( 141 ) 



SUPPEESSION OF PIEACT IN BOENEO AKD 
THE EASTEEN AECHIPELAGO. 



SKETCH OF EAJAH BROOKE. 

Sir James Bkooke, Eajah of Sarawak, has proved himself to 
be, not only a benefactor to Ms country, but also to a large 
number of the human race. He went out as a'cadet to 
India, where he distinguished himself in the Burmese war, 
and being wounded there, he returned home. A warm 
admirer of Sir Stamford Eaffles, by whose enlightened efforts 
the flourishing city of Singapore was established, and British 
commerce much increased in the Eastern Archipelago, he 
took a voyage there to form a personal acquaintance with 
those interesting islands. He found the people groaning 
under oppression, piracy unchecked, and commerce unde- 
veloped. He here secretly resolved to devote his life to 
remedying these evils. On his return home he purchased 
a yacht, the ' Eoyalist,' of 142 tons, and with care and 
kindness, for three years, he trained a crew zealously ready 
to follow his fortunes. 

She was armed with six six-pounders, a number of swivels, 
and small arms of all sorts. She anchored off Borneo, on 
the 1st of August, 1839, and on the 15th reached Sarawak. 
Here Mr. Brooke visited the Eajah Muda Hassim, who was 
engaged in a war with some rebellious subjects in the 
interior. The Eajah asked his aid to put down the rebellion, 
but he refused, and devoted his time to making himself 
acquainted with the character of the natives, and the pro- 
ductions of the country, — after which, he went back to 
Singapore. Borneo is a vast island lying under the equator. 



]42 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

The interior is but little known, nor were even the coasts 
at that time. The aboriginal inhabitants are called Dyaks, 
but large numbers of Malays are settled on the coast and 
along the banks of the rivers. The Emperor of Borneo, as 
he is called, is merely a chief, claiming power over the 
northern portion of the island. On Mr. Brooke's return, 
he found the rebellion still going on, and, in the hopes of 
bringing about a cessation of hostilities, he acceded to Muda 
Hassim's request, and joining the Bajah's army with some of 
his crew, and a gun from the ' Boyalist,' the rebels were 
soon compelled to sue for pardon. In return for this 
assistance, the government of Sarawak was conferred on 
Mr. Brooke. His first step was to proceed to Singapore, 
where he purchased the ' Swift,' schooner of 90 tons, and 
loading her with a suitable cargo, he returned to Sarawak 
with his two vessels, in April, 1851. In consequence, how- 
ever, of the intrigues of a chief called Macota, it was some 
time before he became completely invested with the powers 
of government. The moment he became governor, 24th 
September, 1841, he set himself actively to work to reform 
abuses, to improve the cultivation of the country, and to 
secure peace and happiness to the people. A great variety 
of tribes inhabit the country, who were constantly making- 
predatory attacks on each other for the purpose of taking 
the heads of their enemies, while the shores were infested 
with piratical fleets, who robbed and murdered wherever 
they roved. Numbers of British and other merchant vessels 
had fallen into their power. Having arranged the in- 
ternal affairs of his government, Mr. Brooke turned all 
his efforts to put a stop to these nefarious practices. 
Having secured the approval of the Sultan of Borneo- 
Proper to his holding Sarawak, and at the same time 
obtained the release of the Hindostan crews of two English 
ships, he went back to Singapore, for the purpose of asking 
the aid of some ship-of-war to put down piracy. The 
' Dido,' the Hon. Captain Keppel, was accordingly sent to 
assist him in carrying out his object. The Dyaks of Saribas 



CAPTURE OF PRAHUS BY LIEUT. HORTON. 143 

and Sakarran, were the first pointed out, by Rajah Muda 
Hasshn, as determined pirates, living entirely by plunder, 
more especially of vessels trading between Borneo and 
Singapore. Before, however, we give an account of the 
expedition against them, we have to mention some of the 
exploits of the ' Dido ' and her boats. 



CAPTURE OF PIRATICAL PRAHUS BY BOATS OF ' DIDO/ 
UNDER LIEUT. HORTON, 

May 13th, 1842, 

As soon as the ' Dido ' arrived off Sarawak, Mr. Erooke 
went on board one of his boats, and proceeded with a few 
others, all under the command of Lieut, (now Captain) 
Horton, in search of a fleet of Illanun pirates whom he had 
heard of as being in the neighbourhood. They soon came on. 
a fleet of prahus, which made off at their approach. The 
next morning, however, the pinnace having grounded, Lieut. 
Horton and Mr. Brooke proceeded in one of the cutters to 
reconnoitre. As they neared the south-west point, they were 
met by six prahus, beating their tom-toms as they advanced. 
Lieut. Horton judiciously turned to rejoin the other 
boats ; and the pinnace having floated, he formed his little 
squadron into line abreast, cleared for action, and prepared 
to meet his formidable-looking antagonists. Mr. Brooke, 
however, believing them not to be Illanuns, raised a flag-of- 
truce on his spy-glass, but a discharge of small arms was 
the only reply he received. 

The pirates then detached their three smallest vessels in 
shore to command a cross-fire, and to cut off the retreat of 
the' Dido's ' boats, and the rest advanced, their shot cutting 
through the rigging, and splashing in the water all around. 
It was an anxious moment for the ' Dido's ' little party. 



144 ATTACK ON THE JOLLY BACHELOR. 

Not a word was spoken. The only gun of the pinnace was 
loaded with grape and canister, and kept pointed at the 
largest prahu. The men waited with their muskets in 
hand for permission to fire, but it was not until within 
pistol-range, that Lieut. Horton poured into the enemy his 
well-prepared dose. After exchanging shots for a few 
minutes longer, the largest cried for quarter, but the other 
five keeping up a fire to the last, made for the shore chased 
by the two cutters. The prize proved to be a prahu mount- 
ing three brass guns, with a crew of thirty-six men. Ten 
of them were killed, and eleven (four of them mortally) 
wounded. The crews of the three smaller prahus escaped 
on shore with those only slightly hurt. Captain Keppel 
gave orders that the wounds of the rest should be dressed 
by Mr. Simpson, the assistant-surgeon, and the prisoners 
were afterwards set at liberty. Lieut. "Wilmot Horton and 
Mr. "W". L. Partridge, mate, who commanded the pinnace, 
were promoted for their gallantry on this occasion. 



ATTACK ON THE JOLLY BACHELOR. 

The 'Emily' schooner-yacht, belonging to Mr. "Whitehead, 
of Singapore, being expected from thence, Captain Keppel 
sent a boat lent by Mr. Brooke, called the ' Jolly Bachelor,' 
fitted with a brass six-pounder long gun, and with a volun- 
teer crew of a mate, two midshipmen, six marines, and twelve 
seamen, and a fortnight's provisions, under the command of 
the Second Lieut. Mr. Hunt, to cruise off Cape Datu. Mr. 
Douglas, who spoke the Malayan language, volunteered his 
services. After being out five days, all hands being over- 
come with fatigue, they had dropped an anchor close to some 
rocks, and had fallen asleep. Just as the moon was about 
to rise, Lieut. Hunt happening to awake, observed a savage 
brandishing a kris, and performing his war-dance on the 



ATTACK ON THE 'JOLLY BACHELOR'. 145 

little deck, delighted at tlie ease, as lie supposed, with which 
he had got possession of a fine trading-boat. The lieutenant's 
face, unsurmounted by a turban, gave the first intimation to 
the savage of his mistake. He on this plunged overboard, 
and before Lieut. Hunt knew whether or not he Avas dream- 
ing, or could rouse up his crew, a discharge from three or 
four guns, and the rattle of the various missiles with which 
they were loaded, convinced him there was no mistake. As 
the men were lying down, no one was hurt ; but on jumping 
on their legs, they found themselves pressed by two large 
war-prahus, one on each bow. To return the fire, cut the 
cable, man the oars, and back astern, was the work of a 
moment. The men fought as British seamen always do : the 
deadly aim of the marines prevented the pirates from reload- 
ing their guns. The Illanun prahus are built with strong 
bulwarks or barricades, grape-shot proof across the fore part 
of the boat, through which ports are formed for working the 
guns. "When these bulwarks were cut away by round-shot 
from the ' Jolly Bachelor,' the musketry, grape, and canister 
told with fearful effect. In the mean time the prahus had 
been pressing forward to board, while the ' Jolly Bachelor ' 
backed astern ; but as soon as this service was achieved, the 
men dropped their oars, and seizing their muskets, dashed 
on : the work was sharp but short, and the slaughter great. 
While one pirate-boat was sinking, and an effort was being 
made to secure her, the other effected her escape by round- 
ing the point of rocks, where a third and larger prahu, 
hitherto unseen, came to her assistance, and putting fresh 
hands on board, and taking her in tow, succeeded in getting 
off, although chased by the ' Jolly Bachelor.' The other 
being set on fire, blew up and sunk. The captured boat, when 
boarded, presented a dreadful sight, filled with the mangled 
forms of the dead and dying. 



J 46 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 



ATTACK ON SAREEUS PIRATES BY BOATS OF H.M.S. 'DIDO. 

The ' Dido, ' after leaving Sarawak, proceeded to the island 
of Burong, "which was appointed as the place of rendezvous. 
The force selected for the expedition consisted of the ' Dido's' 
pinnace,. two cutters, and a gig, with the ' Jolly Bachelor,' 
carrying a long six-pounder brass gun, and 30 of the 
' Dido's ' men. Several chiefs sent their fleets, so that 
the native force was considerable, and it caused no Little 
trouble to keep them in order. The command of the expe- 
dition was given to Lieut. "Wihnot Horton, and in the pin- 
nace with him were Mr. ~W\ L. Partridge, mate ; Dr. Simpson, 
assistant-surgeon ; and Mr. Hallowes, midshipman ; with 14 
seamen and 5 marines. In the first cutter was Mr. D'Aeth 
and Mr. Douglas, from Sarawak, and Mr. Collins, the boat- 
swain ; and in the second cutter, Mr. Elliot, the master, and 
Mr. Jenkins, midshipman. The 'Jolly Bachelor' was com- 
manded by Lieut. Tottenham, and Mr. Combes, midshipman, 
with Mr. Brooke's medical friend, Dr. Treacher, and an 
amateur gentleman, Mr. Puppel, from Sarawak. The force 
from the 'Dido' consisted of about 80 officers and men. 
Capt. Keppel, with his accustomed gallantry, accompanied the 
boats in his gig, in which Mr. Brooke also embarked. Lieut. 
E. Grunnell, in the second gig, had the difficult duty assigned 
to him of preserving order among the extensive fleet of native 
boats. A variety of motives had brought together this 
curious assemblage of Europeans, Malays, and Dyaks. The 
British wish was to put down piracy ; the Malays came for 
plunder ; the Dyaks to revenge themselves for the atrocities 
committed by the Sarebus and Sakarran pirates. On the 
9th June, 1843, the expedition had got 30 miles up the river, 
and Captain Keppel laughingly says, as he pulled along the 
line of his tiny fleet, he felt as proud as Sir William Parker 



ATTACK ON SAREBUS PIRATES. 147 

could when leading 75 British ships up the Teang-se-Keang 
River into the heart of the Celestial Empire. 

Captain Keppel being ahead, soon afterwards fell in with 
a couple of boats evidently belonging to some pirates which 
had been chased the previous day. He fired his rifle, when 
the crews took to flight and escaped among the jungle. At 
a place called Boling, they met with a dangerous obstacle, 
called a bore. It is caused by the tide coming in with a 
tremendous rush, as if an immense wave of the sea had sud- 
denly rolled up the stream. Then finding itself confined on 
either side, it extends across like a high bank of water, curl- 
ing and breaking as it goes, and from the frightful velocity 
with which it passes up, it carries all before it. In certain 
bends of the river the bore does not break across, and it was 
therefore the aim of the boats to gain these spots between 
the times of its activity. 

Just below Boling, the river branches off to the right and 
left ; that to the left leading to a nest of pirates at Pakoo, 
who are in communication with those of Paddi, the place 
first to be attacked. A vessel, called a * Tope,' laden with 
provisions and ammunition, had been brought up thus far, and 
she was here left, with a strong body to guard her. The 
advancing force now consisted of the ' Dido's ' boats, the 
three Datus from Sarawak, and some Sow Dyaks eager for 
heads and plunder. On the 11th, as they passed rapidly up 
the stream, the beating of -gongs and the loud yelling warned 
them that they were approaching their enemies. A sudden 
turn in the river brought them in front of a steep hill, which 
rose from the bank. As they hove in sight, several hundred 
savages rose up, and gave one of their war-yells. " It was 
the first," says Captain Keppel, " I ever heard. No report 
from musketry or ordnance could ever make a man's heart 
feel so small as mine did at that horrid yell. I had no time 
to think, but took a shot at them with my double-barrel as 
they rushed down the steep, while we were hurried past." 
As the large boat came up she gave them a dose from her 
heavy gun. A barrier of stakes was now encountered, but 

l2 



148 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY ES BORXEO. 

the gig pushed through, and found herself in the presence of 
three formidable-looking forts, which immediately opened a 
heavy fire on her. Luckily their guns were elevated for the 
range of the barrier, a few grape shot only splashing the 
water round her. The boat was drifting fast towards the 
enemy. The banks of the river were covered with warriors, 
who yelled and rushed down to secure her. "With some 
difficulty the long gig was got round, and, Rajah Brooke 
steering, she was paddled up against the stream. During 
this time Captain Keppel and his coxswain kept up a fire on 
the embrasures, to prevent the enemy reloading before the 
pinnace could bring her twelve-pound carronade to bear. 
Unfortunately she fell athwart the barrier, and had three 
men wounded while thus placed. With the aid, however, of 
some of the native auxiliaries, the ratan-lashings which 
secured the heads of the stakes were cut, and the first cutter 
got through. The other boats then followed and kept up a 
destructive fire on the fort. Mr. D'Aeth, who was the first 
to land, jumped on shore with his crew at the foot of the 
hill, on the top of which the nearest fort stood, and at once 
rushed for the summit. This mode of warfare — this dashing 
at once in the very face of their fort — was so novel and in- 
comprehensible to the enemy, that they fled panic-struck 
into the jungle, and the leading men of the British could 
scarcely get even a snap shot at them. That evening the 
country was illuminated for miles by the burning of the 
capital, Paddi, and the adjacent villages. The guns in the 
forts were also taken, and the stockades burnt. The banks 
of the river were here so narrow, that it was necessary to 
keep vigilantly on the alert, as a spear even could easily be 
thrown across, though for the greater part of the night the 
burning houses made it light as day. In the evening Drs. 
Simpson and Treacher amputated the arm of the captain of 
the forecastle on board the ' Dido.' In the morning a fleet 
of prahus came sweeping towards them, and were only dis- 
covered to be friends just in time to save them from a deadly 
discharge from the six-pouuder. 



ATTACK ON SAKEBUS PIRATES. 149 

In the evening a party under Lieut. Horton, who was 
accompanied by Rajah Brooke, was sent up the left stream. 
Capt. Keppel was at supper on board the ' Jolly Bachelor ' 
when the sound of the pinnace's twelve-pounder carronade 
broke through the stillness of the night. This was responded 
to by one of those simultaneous war-yells apparently from 
every part of the country. Captain Keppel, on this jump- 
ing into his gig, pulled off to the aid of his friends. From 
the winding of the stream, the yells appeared to come from 
every direction, sometimes ahead, sometimes astern. Pro- 
ceeding thus for nearly two hours, a sudden and quick 
discharge of musketry warned him that he was approaching 
the scene of action. 

He kept his rifle ready for use on his knee, and to give an 
idea that he was bringing up a strong reinforcement, he 
ordered the bugler he had with him to strike up "Rory 
O'More." This was immediately responded to by three 
British cheers, followed, however, by a death-like silence, 
which made him suppose that the enemy were between him 
and his friends. 

Seeing some human forms before him, he hailed, and re- 
ceiving no answer, fired, supposing them to be Dyaks, when 
to his horror, Lieut. Horton exclaimed, " We are here, Sir." 
Providentially no one was hurt. The sound of the current 
had prevented his hail being heard. The party had taken up 
a very clever position on the top of a bank from which the 
jungle had been cleared for about thirty yards, and which 
rose perpendicularly from a little bay just big enough to hold 
the boats. Here Lieut. G-unnell was posted with seven royal 
marines as a rear-guard. This was an important position, 
and one of danger, as the jungle itself was alive with the 
enemy ; and although spears were hurled from it conti- 
nually during the night, no shot was thrown away unless the 
figure of the pirate could be distinctly seen. The rain fell 
heavily, the men wore their great coats to keep their pieces 
dry. Often during the long night a musket was raised to 
the shoulder, and lowered as the enemy flitted by. These 



150 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY m BORXEO. 

in the "boats below stood facing the opposite hank of the 
river, with their arms in their hands. It appears that the 
enemy had come down in great force to attack the boats from 
that side ; and as the river was there very shallow, and the 
bottom hard, they could, by wading not more than knee- 
deep, have approached to Avithin five or six yards of them : — 
but in the first attack they had lost a good many men, and 
it is supposed that their repeated advances during the night 
were more to recover their dead and wounded, than to make 
any attack on the compact little force of British, whose 
deadly aims and rapid firing had told with such effect, and 
who certainly were, one and all, prepared to sell their lives 
as dearly as possible. For some object they had begun 
felling some large trees, and their torches showing their 
position, Mr. Partridge kept up a hot fire on them from 
the pinnace, and a signal rocket fired among them made them 
take to flight. Two natives and one marine of the British 
party were wounded ; and the latter poor fellow, a gallant 
young officer named Jenkins, already distinguished in the 
Chinese war, volunteered to convey in the second gig, with 
four boys only, down to the ' Jolly Bachelor.' He performed 
this duty, and was again up with the party before daylight. 
At dawn the pirates began assembling in some force, but as 
the boats advanced up the river towards a spot where they 
had left their wives and children, they sent in a flag-of-truce. 
Several chiefs soon appeared, and the result of the conference 
was, that they undertook to abandon piracy if their lives 
were spared. This was agreed to, and they have strictly 
adhered to their promises. 

The expedition now advanced towards B»embas, and early 
in the morning came up with a succession of formidable bar- 
riers very difficult to cut through. About a mile below the 
town, 700 Linga Dyaks were landed, under command of 
Sheriff Jaffer and his fine-spirited son. Captain Keppel 
managed in his light gig to get through the barriers, and as 
the other boat came up, he opened a fire on the stockade, 
which was full of men, this, with the war-yell cries from Sheriff 



ATTACK ON THE SAKARRAN PIRATES. 151 

Jaffer's party, threw them into the greatest confusion, and 
made them fly on all sides. On this the crews landed, and 
took possession of Bembas, which was found to be the largest 
town they had yet seen. As a severe lesson to the pirates, 
the place was given up to the native allies to plunder, and 
was afterwards completely destroyed. 

The kind-hearted and talented Dr. Simpson having slipped 
overboard while suffering from fever, caught a cold, which 
soon ended his days. The ' Dido,' soon after this, sailed for 
Singapore and China. 

ATTACK ON THE SAKARRAN PIRATES, 
August 7th, 1844. 

[An extract from a characteristic letter of Rajah Brooke to 
Captain Keppel will best introduce the following subject:] — 

Sarawak, 26th May, 1844. 

" There is plenty to do here, and the sooner you can come 
the better for all of us, especially for your poor friends the 
Dyaks. Bring with you as much force as you can to attack 
Sakarran. The case stands thus : Sheriff Sahib, quite 
frightened at Sadong since last year, enraged likewise at his 
loss of power and his incapability of doing mischief, collected 
all the Sakarran Dyaks, and was joined by many of the Dyaks 
of Sarebus, and some Balows. He likewise had a good many 
Malays, and bullied every one in his vicinity. This force 
met at the entrance of the Sadong Delta, and committed 
depredations. They were not less than 200 Dyak boats, and 
some 15 or 20 armed Malay prahus, besides others. Sheriff 
Sahib, with this force, has started to-day for Sakarran, and I 
was not strong enough, with my eight native boats, to attack 
him. 

" It is his intention, on his arrival there, to fortify the place 
and await our attack, and in the mean time to send out his 
Dyaks along the coast and inland to such places as they 
dare venture to attack." 



152 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

The ' Harlequin,' Captain Hastings, was in the neighbour- 
hood of this fleet, but her Pirst-lieut., H. Chads, having been 
severely wounded, and several of his men killed just before 
in a severe affair off Acheen Head, her gallant Commander 
judged it imprudent to attack them with the few boats he 



Since the 'Dido's' last visit to Sarawak, Her Majesty's 
ship 'Samarang,' Captain Sir Edward Belcher, had come there, 
and grounding on a long shelf of rocks at the top of high 
water, and with the ebb-tide rolled off, filling with the suc- 
ceeding flood. She was nearly a fortnight in this position, 
when, by the skill and almost unparalleled exertions of her 
captain, officers, and crew, she was hove off, and again made 
ready for sea. 

Monday, 5th August, 1844. — The expedition left Sarawak. 
It consisted of Her Majesty's steamer ' Phlegethon,' the 
boats of Her Majesty's ship ' Dido,' boats belonging to 
Bajak Brooke, and a fleet of prahus, under the Pangeran 
Budrudeen, the brother of the late Eajah. 

Having entered the river Batang Lupar, which, for some 
way up, is from three to four miles wide, they proceeded, on 
Wednesday the 7th, towards Patusen, the place to be at- 
tacked, it being the stronghold of Sheriff Sahib. The diffi- 
culty was now to keep back the native allies, who were eager 
for heads and plunder. 

"Weighing at 11, they advanced with a strong tide in sight 
of the fortifications of Patusen, which were not to be de- 
spised. The boats of the ' Dido ' and ' Phlegethon' having 
formed alongside the latter vessel, were directed to pull in- 
shore, and attack the forts in succession. However, Mr. 
Wade, the gallant First-lieutenant of the ' Dido, who had 
the command, was the first to break the line, and to pull 
directly in face of the largest fort. His example was fol- 
lowed by the others, and dividing, each boat pulled for the 
fort which appeared to the officer in command to be the one 
most likely to make a good fight. The forts were the first 
to open fire on both steamer and boats, which was quickly 



ATTACK OK THE SAKARRAN PIRATES. 153 

and smartly returned. From the defective state of the 
detonating priming-tubes, the guns from the ' Phlegethon ' 
would not go off; so the boats had all the glory to" themselves. 

They never once checked in their advance ; but the mo- 
ment they touched the shore, the crews rushed up, entering 
the forts at the embrasures, while the pirates fled by the 
rear. 

In this sharp and short affair, a fine young man, John 
Ellis, captain of the main-top, in the ' Dido,' was killed — 
cut in two by a cannon-shot, while in the act of ramming 
home a cartridge in the bow-gun of the ' Jolly Bachelor.' 
This, and two others badly wounded, were the only casu- 
alties. 

The killed and wounded, on the part of the pirates, must 
have been very severe. There were found, in and about the 
forts, 64 brass guns of different sizes, besides many of iron, 
which were spiked and thrown into the river. 

The Sarawak followers, both Malays and Dyaks, behaved 
with the greatest gallantry, dashing bravely in under the fire 
of the forts. The town, which was very extensive, after 
being given up to them to plunder, was set on fire, and made 
a magnificent blaze. 

After the men had dined, another fort higher up the river 
was taken, in which Sheriff Sahib resided, and where a large 
amount of his plunder was captured. 

During the day the habitations of 5,000 pirates had been 
burnt to the gromid, four strong forts destroyed, together 
with several hundred boats ; upwards of 60 brass cannon 
captured, and about a fourth that number of iron spiked and 
thrown into the river, besides vast quantities of other arms 
and ammunition ; and the powerful Sheriff Sahib, the great 
pirate patron of the last 20 years, ruined past recovery, and 
driven to hide his diminished head in the jungle. 

The 8th and 9th were passed in burning and destroying 
the rest of the straggling town, and a variety of smaller boats. 

On the 10th, the stronghold of Macota, another pirate 
chief, was destroyed ; but he had fled into the mountains. 



154 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO L 

Captain Keppel "now divided his force, to attack, at the 
same time, various forts, situated up several rivers running 
into the main stream. One party under Lieut. Tumour, 
with Mr. Combes, in the ' Jolly Bachelor,' and a division 
of native boats, went up the Undop ; another, under Mr. 
D'Aeth, up the Lupar ; while Mr. "Wade, accompanied by 
Mr. Brooke, ascended the Sakarran. 

Lieut. Tumour, with Mr. Combes, made a very spirited 
attack on a stockade situated on the summit of a steep hill, 
while Mr. Allen, the master, performed a similar service on 
the opposite side of the river. 

Having again collected his whole force, Captain Keppel 
proceeded up the river Sakarran, 20 miles from the mouth of 
which was situated the fortified town of Seriff Muller. 
"When, as they knew by the noises they heard that they 
were close to the town, they found a strong barrier built 
across the river. A little in advance of it was a farm-house, 
which, for |the night, Captain Keppel occupied with a party 
of 50 volunteers, consisting of Messrs. Steward, "Williamson, 
and Combes, a corporal and four marines, his gig's crew, and 
some Malay and Dyak followers. 

At daylight they were joined by Lieutenant Wade and 
Mr. Brooke ; and soon after 8 o'clock, the barrier being cut 
through, the town was entered, plundered, and burnt. 

Having ascertained that the pirates had retreated to a Dyak 
village, situated on the top of a hill some 25 miles higher 
up the Undop, at daylight on the 13th, Captain Keppel, 
with the lighter boats, went in pursuit. On this day Lieut. 
Wade, jealous of the advanced position of the lighter boats, 
obtained a place in Captain Keppel' s gig. Overcoming a 
variety of difficulties through rain and darkness, they at last 
anchored for the night. On the 14th they pushed on, and 
hearing of two lau ding-places leading to the village, pro- 
ceeded in search of one immediately under it. Several boats 
were destroyed in their progress, and they had some sharp 
encounters with others on which they unexpectedly came. 
Sheriff Muller was nearly taken ; and his war-prahu, full of 



ATTACK ON THE SAKARRAN" PIRATES. 155 

plunder, was captured. Not finding the looked-for landing- 
place, Captain Keppel and Lieut. "Wade disembarked at a 
clear green spot, to breakfast, and await tlie arrival of the 
other boats. While the crew were busily employed in cook- 
ing, Captain Keppel and Lieut. Wade fancied they heard 
the suppressed voices of many people. Taking their guns, 
and creeping into the jungle, they soon came in sight of a 
mass of boats concealed in a snug little inlet, the entrance 
to which had escaped their notice. These were filled with 
piratical Dyaks and Malays, and on shore, at various points, 
were placed armed sentinels. 

Not noticing Captain Keppel' s caution, Mr. Wade dashed 
on, discharged his gun, and called on their men to follow. 
The astonished enemy instantly fled, and the British, nine 
in number only, headed by Lieut. Wade, followed towards 
the Dyak village on the summit of the hill. During the 
heat of the pursuit, although too anxious to advance to await 
the arrival of his men, finding a poor, terrified Malay girl 
who, by her imploring look, touched his heart, he stopped 
to conceal her in a place of security. Then, he once again 
cheered on his men in the pursuit. Entering a small en- 
campment of the enemy, Lieut. Wade's party drew up to 
re-form and load, and then, seeing the arrival of the other 
boats at the landing-place, again rushed on in pursuit. 
Before arriving at the foot of the steep ascent, on the summit 
of which the Dyak village stood, they had to cross a small 
open space of about 60 yards, exposed to the fire from the 
village, as well as from the surrounding jungle. Before cross- 
ing the plain, Captain Keppel again cautioned Mr. Wade 
to await the arrival of his men, of whom he was far in ad- 
vance. Immediately afterwards two rifle shots struck him, 
and falling mortally wounded, at his captain's feet, he died 
instantly. Captain Keppel remained with the body of his 
lamented and gallant lieutenant till his men came up, and, 
giving it in charge to some of them, the village was carried 
without further check or accident. As it was by a shot 
from it poor Wade had been killed, it was instantly destroyed. 



156 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IX BOEXEO. 

Throughout the expedition there was a friendly rivalry be- 
tween the crews of the 'Phlegethon' and 'Dido's' boats, 
and one of the officers of the former wounded, with a pistol, 
the man who had killed poor "Wade. 

In the fort, among other plunder, were found some Eng- 
lish writing-desks, and on the brass plate of one was 
engraved the name of " Mr. "Willson." That evening, the 
village and piratical boats being destroyed, the expedition 
returned down the river, and, with the deep regret of all 
hands, by whom he was universally beloved, the body of 
Lieut. "Wade was committed to the deep. 

Eeturning to the steamer on the loth, Captain Keppel 
waited till the 17th, to rest his men. During the time then 1 
native friends were much molested by the hostile Dyaks con- 
cealed in the jungle. On the 17th, the expedition started 
up the Sakarran. It consisted of the ' Dido's' pinnace, two 
cutters and gig, the ' Jolly Bachelor,' and the ' Phlegethon's' 
first and second cutters and gig, with a division of light 
native boats under old Patingi Ali, with whom Mr. Stewart 
embarked, while 30 native boats followed as a reserve. 

"We do not dwell on the difficulties of the navigation, and 
the heavy rains they experienced, or the wild beauty of the 
scenery. 

A war-boat was taken, and a party of Dyaks surprised on 
the 18th. On the 19th, at nine o'clock, Captain Keppel 
having stopped to breakfast with Mr. Brooke and Mr. Jen- 
kins in the second cutter, he gave permission to Patingi Ali 
to advance cautiously with his light division, with positive 
orders to fall back on the appearance of an enemy. After 
the pinnace and second gig had passed up a quarter of 
an hour, the report of a few musket-shots told Captain 
Keppel that the pirates had been fallen in with. Pushing 
on, the firing from the British boats, and the war-yells of 
some thousand Dyaks, showed him that an engagement had 
commenced. Dreadful was the scene of confusion which met 
his view. About twenty boats were jammed together, form- 
ing one confused mass — some bottom up ; the bows or sterns 



ATTACK ON THE SAKARRAN PIRATES. 15^ 

of others only visible, mixed up pell-mell with huge rafts, 
amongst which were nearly all the advanced squadron. 
Headless trunks, as well as heads without bodies, were 
lying about in all directions ; parties were engaged hand- 
to-hand, spearing and krissing each other; others were 
striving to swim for their lives ; entangled in the com- 
mon melee were the British advanced boats ; while on both 
banks thousands of Dyaks were rushing down to join in 
the slaughter, hurling their spears and stones on the boats 
below. 

Fortunately one of the rafts which composed this floating 
bridge caught in the stump of a tree and broke the line. It 
simultaneously occurred to Capt. Keppel and Mr. Brooke, 
that, by dashing through in the gig, they might draw off the 
attention of the enemy to themselves. The effect was as 
they desired. Mr. Brooke steered about mid-channel, 
while Captain Keppel, with his never-failing rifles, having 
his coxswain to load, picked off the leaders from among the 
savage mass, on which he kept up a rapid fire. Mr. Allen, 
in the second gig, quickly coming up, opened upon them 
from a Congreve rocket-tube such a destructive fire, as 
caused them to retire behind the temporary barriers where 
they were concealed before they attacked Patingi Ali ; and 
from whence they continued to hurl their spears and 
other missiles. Many employed the sumpitan (a tube from 
which poisoned darts are shot) ; but though many of the 
British were wounded, no fatal results ensued, owing to the 
expeditious manner in which the wounded parts were ex- 
cised by Mr. Beith, the assistant-surgeon, afterwards any 
poison that might remain being sucked out by one of the 
comrades of the wounded men. 

The greatest loss was owing to the Patingi and the gallant 
Mr. Stewart's imprudence. When leading, six large war- 
prahus, carrying 100 each, bore down on his boat, and out of 
a crew of 17, one only escaped to tell the tale of his destruc- 
tion. "When last seen, Mr. Stewart and the Patingi were in 
the act (their own boats sinking) of boarding the enemy, 



158 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

and they were of course overpowered and killed. On the 
side of the British 29 others lost their lives, and 56 were 
wounded. 

A few miles further up was the town and capital of 
Karangan, which place, the pirates having fled from it, was 
completely destroyed without opposition. 

On the 22nd, the expedition returned to Patusen, where 
they were reinforced by the boats of the ' Samarang,' under 
Sir Edward Belcher, who having heard of their loss, had 
come up 120 miles in about 30 hours. Mr. D'Aeth, on 
coming alongside the ' Phlegethon,' was capsized and nearly 
drowned, and shortly after Mr. Brooke, hearing a cry of dis- 
tress, shoved off in his Singapore Sampan, and picked up 
three half-drowned Dyaks who alone escaped out of 11, their 
boat being capsized by a bore. 

On the 24th, the expedition again reached Sarawak. 

MEMOIR OF LIEUTENANT WADE.* 

" Lieutenant Charles Francis "Wade, whose melancholy 
death is recorded in these pages, was the third son of the 
Eev. Thomas "Wade, of the county of Tipperary, and from 
an early period of life displayed a strong predilection for that 
profession in which Providence ordained that he should pass 
a short yet honourable career. His family did not en- 
courage this disposition, having no interest to ensure its 
successful enterprise ; but the youth, when in London, 
having casually heard that the late Earl of Huntingdon 
was about to proceed to the "West Indies, in command of 
H.M.S. ' Valorous,' immediately waited upon his lordship, 
and volunteered his services. Though he had no previous 
acquaintance, nor introduction, the frankness of his manners, 
and the good sense he exhibited at the boyish age of 14, so 
won upon the noble Earl, that he at once became his patron 
and friend, and he was appointed to the ' Valorous,' and 
sailed in her on her destination. On her being ordered 

* From Keppel's ' Borneo.' 



MEMOIR OF LIEUTENANT WADE. 159 

home, lie was transferred to the ' Barham,' flag-ship on the 
"West India station, and, by his good conduct, strongly 
recommended himself to her commander, the Honourable 
Elphinstone Fleming, to whom, as well as to Lord Hunting- 
don, he expressed his grateful attachment through life. At 
a later time, whilst he was serving as mate on board H.M. S. 
c Ocean,' at Sheerness, it was suggested to him by several of 
his naval friends, that he might distinguish himself by join- 
ing the British Legion, in Spain ; he accordingly accepted 
the rank of Captain of Artillery in the British Legion, under 
Colonel Colcruhoun, R. A. In 1837, he returned from this 
employment, after two years' gallant devotion to it, and me- 
morialized the Government for promotion in the navy as 
a reward for his services. In this he respectfully repre- 
sented his meritorious actions in common with the navy at 
sea, and the marines, and other forces in the field ; with 
both of which he had fought in several very sharp en- 
gagements ; in honour of which he had received the Spanish 
crosses of St. Ferdinand and Isabella Catolica, and a 
gold medal for commanding the guns which breached the 
Avails of the town of Irun, through which a party of troops 
entered, and under so heavy a fire, that he had two-thirds of 
his gun- detachment killed and wounded. In short, his con- 
duct throughout was of the most gallant description, though 
a slight wound was the only mark he bore of having fought 
in almost every affair between the Legion and the Carlists 
during the period of his stay. His preceding eight years in 
the "West Indies ; his having been afloat from 1824 to 1835 ; 
and his having passed his examination for a Lieutenant 
in 1830, with a high character from every officer under whom 
he had served, were truly urged as a farther title to the 
favour he solicited. Lord Minto, then First Lord of the 
Admiralty, consequently appointed him to the ' Khadanian- 
thus,' in the Mediterranean ; and in the June following, at 
the coronation of Her Majesty, he obtained his commission 
as Lieutenant. In 1840, he joined H. M. S. ' Curagoa,' in 
the Pacific ; and here an incident occurred which may serve 



160 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

to show the intrepid and chivalrous temper which formed so 
distinguished a feature in his character. Cruising not far 
from the Southern Tropic, and a few leagues from the meri- 
dian of the island that became the refuge of the descendants 
of Christian and his comrades, another island was seen, 
which was thought to be a discovery. The nature of the 
shore and the sea that broke against it forbade any attempt 
at landing from a boat, but access to a swimmer seemed 
possible ; and it being considered desirable that the new- 
found territory should be examined and possession of it 
taken, Lieutenant Wade volunteered to perform this service, 
and to swim on shore with the union jack secured to him. 
He succeeded in landing, explored the island sufficiently to 
ascertain that it had neither inhabitants nor shipwrecked 
mariners upon it, and that it had already been visited by 
a British ship-of-war. He then returned safely on board ; 
but the consequences of the adventure were serious, for it 
was followed by a severe attack of rheumatic fever, occa- 
sioned by having remained so long in wet clothes ; and find- 
ing there was no hope of regaining his health at sea, he 
quitted his ship with regret at San Bias, and returned 
through Mexico, to England. 

" In December 1842, hardly recovered from the effects of 
the disease, but determined to deserve and to obtain pro- 
motion, he was appointed First-lieutenant of the ' Saina- 
rang,' then fitting for the survey of the Indian Seas. In 
March 1844 he joined, for a short time, H. M. S. ' Driver ;' 
and on the 5th June following was appointed First of the 
< Dido.' 

" It is not easy to express in adequate language, says one 
who knew him intimately, the qualities by which poor "Wade 
was distinguished, and how much he was beloved by all his 
acquaintance. Brave and enterprising, yet gentle, affec- 
tionate, and considerate of others ; firm in principle, and 
exact in the performance of every duty, but unpretending, 
generous, and loyal : there seemed to be united in him all 
the properties which, joined to skill in his profession, would 



MEMOIR OF MR. GEORGE STEWARD. 161 

have ensured to hiin an eminent place in the brilliant annals 
of his service. But he was of those who fall in the front, 
and who die too soon for their own glory. 

To his family and intimate friends his amiable, generous, 
and affectionate manners endear his memory ; and although 
they must mourn his loss, yet they have the consolation of 
knowing that his whole conduct was influenced by a sincere 
Christian spirit, and that he was not less willing to devote 
his life to the service of his country than to manifest in his 
whole conduct the exalted principles by which he was ever 
influenced. 



MEMOIR OP ME. GEORGE STEWARD. 

The late George Steward, who fell in August 1844, whilst 
fighting as a volunteer in the expedition against the pirates 
of Borneo, commanded by Captain Keppel, was the youngest 
of seven children of the late Timothy Steward, Esq., of Tar- 
mouth. Having shown an early predilection for the sea, a 
midshipman's berth was procured for him in the maritime 
service of the Hon. East India Company, in which he rose 
with as much rapidity as its regulations would admit ; but 
unfortunately for him, precisely at the period when he be- 
came eligible for, and had secured, the command of a first- 
class ship, the Act of Parliament was passed which abolished 
the mercantile privileges, and consequently extinguished the 
maritime service of the Hon. East India Company, whose 
officers thereupon retired on pensions. Not being dis- 
posed to continue at sea as a private adventurer, Mr. Steward 
remained unemployed for several years ; but in 1842 his 
adventurous and daring spirit led him to embrace the pro- 
position of his friend and brother- officer, Mr. Henry Wise, 
now connected with the East India and China trade, to un- 
dertake the charge of a commercial expedition to the infant 
settlement established at Sarawak under the auspices of 
Mr. Brooke. In the month of March 1843 he left England 



162 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY m BORNEO. 

in the l Ariel,' a smart fast-sailirig brig, purchased, fitted out, 
and armed by himself and Mr. "Wise, in pursuance of the 
mercantile operation referred to, and for the additional 
security of Mr. Brooke. The vessel arrived at Singapore in 
the following July. Here Mr. Steward was informed that 
the Eorneo seas were swarming with pirates ; and the master 
of the brig having left her at that port, Mr. Steward assumed 
the command. On his arrival at Sarawak, he received from 
Mr. Brooke a welcome, the cordiality of which was enhanced 
by their recognising each other as schoolfellows. Of the 
enterprise, intelligence, liberal mind, and friendly disposition 
of Mr. Brooke, Mr. Steward has, in his correspondence, 
spoken with the utmost warmth, and to him he was at all 
times indebted for much valuable assistance and counsel. 
At Sarawak Mr. Steward remained until he unfortunately 
joined the expedition against the pirates, in which his life 
was sacrificed. 



DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU, 
August 19th, 1845. 

In consequence of the atrocities committed by Sheriff House- 
man, it became necessary to destroy his stronghold in Mal- 
ludu Bay ; and to effect that object Captain Talbot, with 
the ' Vixen,' ' Nemesis,' and l Pluto,' accompanied by the 
boats of ' Agincourt,' ' Daedalus,' ' Vestal,' ' Cruiser,' and 
' Wolverine,' then composing the squadron off Borneo, 
proceeded to that place, which they reached on the 18th. 

The Bay of Malludu has high-wooded banks on either 
side till in the bight, where the land is flat and covered with 
mangroves. Here the water is shallow, and there are several 
rivers, one of which is that of Malludu. The enemy, from 500 
to 1,000 in number, were posted in two forts, mounting 11 or 
12 heavy guns, and protected by a strong and well- contrived 
boom. Before the fight commenced Sheriff Houseman sent a 
flag-of-truce ? and asked for Mr. Brooke. On being informed 



DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU. 163 

that lie was not present, he inyited Captain Talbot to meet 
him, and offered to admit two gigs to be hauled over the 
boom. This offer being declined, the enemy instantly opened 
their fire. They fought well, and stood manfully to their 
guns, the fight being protracted for 50 minutes. The boom 
had first to be cut away before the boats could advance. 
While working, axe in hand, to clear it, the gallant Gribbard 
of the ' "Wolverine ' fell mortally wounded. The boats all 
the time were under a very heavy fire ; but at length ad- 
vancing, they carried the place with a loss of 6 killed, 2 mor- 
tally wounded, and 15 severely wounded. The loss of the 
enemy was proportionably great. In the evening a detach- 
ment of 10 boats and fresh officers and men quitted the 
1 Vixen ' to complete the destruction of the forts. Numerous 
proofs of the piracies of the Sheriff now came to light. The 
boom was ingeniously fastened with the chain-cable of a 
vessel of 300 or 400 tons ; other chains were found in the 
town; as also a ship's long-boat, two ships' bells, one orna- 
mented with grapes and vine-leaves, and marked " Wilhelm 
Ludwig, Bremen," and every other description of ships' 
furniture. Some piratical Illanun and Ealagnini boats were 
burned ; 24 brass guns captured ; the iron ones, stated to 
have been got out of a ship, spiked and destroyed. Thus 
Malludu ceased to exist, and Sheriff Houseman's power re- 
ceived a fall, from which it could never recover. 

Leonard Gribbard made his first trip to sea under charge 
of Captain Keppel in 1834, when he commanded the ' Chil- 
ders ' in the Mediterranean ; and at that early age promised, 
what he afterwards proved himself to be, a gallant officer 
and thorough seaman. He was a general favourite wherever 
he went. 

In this action Sheriff Houseman was wounded dangerously, 
and it was supposed died soon afterwards in the jungle to 
which he had escaped. 

The following is a detail of the naval force employed in 
the attack on, and destruction of, Malludu, under the com- 

M 2 



164 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

mand of Captain Charles Talbot, H. M. S. ' Testa!,' with his 
official letter : — 

Her Majesty's ship ' Agincourt' s ' gig, Captain Lyster ; 
Mr. Creswell, midshipman ; 1 petty officer and 5 seamen. 
Grim-boat (launch), Lieut. Lowther ; ]\ir. Whipple, assistant 
surgeon ; Mr. Burnaby, midshipman ; Mr. Barton, midship- 
man ; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. Gun-boat (barge), 
Lieut. Paynter ; Mr. May, mate ; Mr. Patrick, assistant 
surgeon ; 1 petty officer and 14 seamen. Pinnace, with 
rockets, Mr. Beere, mate ; 3 petty officers and 18 seamen. 
Cutter, Mr. Simcoe, midshipman ; 11 seamen. Gun-boat, 
manned from * Agincourt ' and Hon. East India Company's 
steam-yessel ■ [Nemesis,' with 1st Company small-armed 
men. Pirst cutter, Lieut. Beid; Mr. Hathorn, midshipman; 
1 petty officer and 10 seamen. Gun-boat (second cutter), 
Mr. Young, mate ; 1 petty officer and 10 seamen. Gun- 
boat, with ' Agincourt' s ' field-piece men. 

- Pluto's ' cutter, Lieut. Heard ; 2 petty officers and 15 
men. 

Her Majesty's ship ' Testal's ' barge, Lieut. Moritt, senior 
lieutenant. Gun-boat, Mr. Pym, second master ; 1 petty 
officer and 13 seamen. Pinnace, Lieut. Pasco ; Mr. Ward, 
assistant surgeon ; Mr. Sanders, midshipman ; 1 petty officer 
and 13 men. 

Her Majesty's ship * Testal's' gun-boat (cutter), Mr. 
Durbin, mate ; 11 seamen. Gig, Mr. Eccles, clerk; 5 seamen. 

Her Majesty's ship 'Daedalus'' gun-boat (launch), Mr. 
"Wilkinson, second master ; 1 petty officer and 18 seamen. 
Barge, Lieut. Bandolph, senior lieutenant; Mr. Huxham, 
midshipman ; 2 petty officers and 17 seamen. Pinnace, Mr. 
jSolloth, mate ; Mr. Balcomb, midshipman ; 1 petty officer 
and 12 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Protheroe, midshipman ; 1 
petty officer and 8 seamen. 

Her Majesty's steam-vessel 'Tixen's ' gun-boat (pinnace), 
Lieut. Wilcox, senior lieutenant ; Mr. Dent, mate ; 1 petty 
officer and 15 men. First cutter, Mr. W. Sainsbury, mid- 



DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU. 165 

shipman ; 9 seamen. Second cutter, Lieut. Benham ; 11 
seamen. 

Her Majesty sloop ' Cruiser's ' gun-boat (pinnace), Lieut. 
Hodney, senior lieutenant ; Mr. Cotter, midshipman ; 1 petty- 
officer and 12 men. Grig, Commander Eanshawe ; 1 petty- 
officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Tuke, midshipman ; 1 
petty officer and 8 seamen. 

Her Majesty's sloop ' "Wolverine's ' pinnace, Lieut. Hil- 
lier, senior lieutenant ; Mr. Johnson, midshipman ; 1 petty 
officer and 12 seamen. Grig, Commander Clifford ; 1 petty 
officer and 4 seamen. Cutter, Mr. Gribbard, mate ; 1 petty 
officer and 4 men. 



EOTAL MARINES EMPLOYED. 

Captain Hawkins, H. M. S. ' Agincourt ;' Lieut. Hambly, 
H. M. S. < Dsedalus ;' Lieut. Dyer, H. M. S. ' Vestal ;' Lieut. 
Kennedy, H. M. S. ' Agincourt ;' Lieut. Mansell, H. M. S. 
'Agincourt ;' 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 3 nfers, 178 privates. 

Total number of seamen, 344 ; marines, 202. 



" Her Majesty's Steam- vessel ' Vixen/ 
Malludu Bay, August 20, 1845. 

" Sir, 

" I have to report the proceedings of the expedition 
you did me the honour to place under my command. 

" Your Excellency's nag having been flying on board the 
* Yixen,' you are aware of its progress to the anchorage at 
the head of the Malludu Bay ; I commence, therefore, the 
details from that period : — 

" The force, consisting of 530 seamen and marines (the 
details of which I annex), conveyed in 24 boats, of which 
9 were gun-boats, left the ' Yixen ' at 3 o'clock p.m. on the 
18th inst., and, after some little difficulty in hitting on the 



166 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

channel, was anchored off the mouth of the Songybuyes a 
little after sunset. Here we were joined by a boat from the 
' Pluto,' carrying the ' Agincourt's ' field-piece. The tide 
serving, about 11 a.m. we weighed, and, passing the bar, 
anchored within it. At daylight on the 19th we proceeded 
up the river in two divisions. After advancing about two 
miles, I was informed by the Brune pilots that we were 
nearing the town. I, therefore, went ahead with Captain 
Lyster to reconnoitre. On coming to an abrupt turn in 
the river, about three miles higher, we found ourselves sud- 
denly in front of the position, which consisted of two stock- 
aded forts, of eight and three guns each, commanding the 
reach. About 200 yards below the forts was a boom across 
the river, apparently well constructed. The forts appeared 
to us to stand on a tongue of land, from which we were 
separated by the river, which at that point divided into two 
branches, and the pilots declared such to be the case ; the 
one turning to the right, we observed, was still further de- 
fended by a floating.battery. There appeared, therefore, to 
be no means of carrying the position but by forcing the boom. 

.," On rejoining the force, arrangements were made for the 
gun-boats to advance to the boom to cover the party ap- 
pointed to cut through it, the remainder of the force to hold 
itself in readiness to act when ordered. "We had approached 
the boom to within 100 yards, when a flag-of-truce was ob- 
served to be co min g towards us. Conceiving the object of 
the enemy was merely to gain time, I sent back a message, 
that unless Sheriff Houseman came to me in half an hour, I 
should open fire. This being conveyed to the fort, the flag 
returned with an offer to admit me with two boats, that I 
might visit the Sheriff. I declined, and the flag retired. 
The moment it was clear of the line of fire, the three-gun 
battery opened, and the cannonade became general on both 
sides. 

" The boom was composed of three large-sized trees, each 
supporting a chain- cable, equal to 10 or 12 inches, firmly 
bolted and secured around the trunk of a tree on each 



DESTRUCTION OF MALLUDU. 167 

bank. A cut in the right bank allowed a canoe to pass, but 
was impassable to any of our boats. One hour nearly 
elapsed before we could in any way remove the obstacle, 
during which time the fire of the enemy was well sustained, 
all the guns being laid for the boom. I need hardly mention 
it was briskly returned from our side, both from guns and 
small-arms ; and some rockets, well thrown by a party which 
had been landed on the right bank, appeared to produce 
considerable effect. 

" As soon as the passage was open for the smaller boats 
they passed through rapidly, and embarked the marines 
from the large boats across the boom : ultimately the whole 
force passed through. The enemy immediately quitted their 
defences, and fled in every direction. The marines and 
small-arm men having cleared the town, the former were 
formed as a covering party, and parties of seamen were 
pushed up both banks of the river, but met with no opposi- 
tion ; at the same time preparations were made for spiking 
the guns and destroying the stockades and town; in a 
short time these were completed and the whole in flames, as 
well as three large prahus and several smaller ones. 

" Being anxious to save the tide, and conceiving that the 
object contemplated by your Excellency was accomplished, I 
ordered the force to be re-embarked, and proceeded down 
the river to the ' Vixen.' "When your Excellency considers 
the strength of the enemy's position, and the obvious state 
of preparation in which we found him, you will be prepared 
to learn that the service has not been performed without 
considerable loss. I regret very much to state it at six 
killed and 15 wounded. The loss on the part of the enemy 
was unquestionably very great, but the surrounding jungle 
afforded the enemy the means of carrying off their dead, 
according to their custom in these cases ; nevertheless, some 
of those left on the field we recognised as persons of consi- 
derable influence. 

" Whilst I record my admiration of the gallantry and 
steadiness of the whole force under a galling fire, sustained 



168 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

for a long period, I must particularly mention Captain 
Lyster, who directed his attention to the boom, and by 
whose personal exertions that obstacle was overcome. 

" Mr. Gibbard, mate of Her Majesty's ship ' "Wolverine,' 
was, I grieve to say, mortally wounded by an early shot 
whilst gallantly working at the boom with an axe. 

" I beg leave to point out to your Excellency the conduct 
of Mr. Williamson, Malay interpreter to Mr. Brooke ; he was 
with me during the attack, and was exposed to the whole of 
the fire. 

" I have the honour, &c, 

(Signed) " Chaeles Talbot. 

" His Excellency Rear -Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, C.B., 
Commander-in- Chief. ' ' 

In a political point of view, the destruction of Malludu 
may appear of little consequence, but it was of considerable 
importance, as a severe blow struck to piracy in the Eastern 
Seas, and as affording a wholesome lesson to other pirate 
chiefs of the fate awaiting them should they persevere in 
their malpractices. The battle was also a very desperate 
and hard-fought one ; and had not the British, with deter- 
mined gallantry, forced their way through the boom in front 
of the fort they would have been compelled to make a dis- 
astrous retreat. As all fought with equal bravery, I have 
thought it best to give a list of those engaged in the attack. 
Captain Talbot, too, had a narrow escape ; for had he ac- 
cepted the pirates' invitation to pass within the boom, there 
can be no doubt that he and all with him would have been 
destroyed. 



CAPTURE OF BRUNE. 169 



CAPTURE OF BRUNE, 
July 8th, 1846. 

The principal chiefs of Borneo, among them the brothers of 
the Sultan himself, who were supposed to be favourable to 
Rajah Brooke and the English, and opposed to piracy, were 
all cruelly murdered early in the year 1846. Information of 
this event having reached the Admiral and Rajah Brooke, 
they were convinced that no terms could be kept with the 
Sultan. 

Sir Thomas Cochrane, the Commander-in-Chief, accord- 
ingly ordered the very considerable squadron which was now 
collected on the coast, to rendezvous off the mouth of the 
river of Borneo, for the purpose of attacking the chief city, 
Brune. Mr. Elliot, the master of the ' Agincourt,' having 
sounded the bar, and discovered sufficient water, the Admiral 
determined to take the flag-ship over it. Accordingly at 
day-light on the 6th July, the signal was made to weigh and 
to proceed into the Borneo river. The wind was light and 
directly out. The 'Agincourt' was taken in tow by the 
' Spiteful,' the ' Phlegethon' going ahead to show the 
soundings, and by 8 a.m. the flag-ship was anchored 
within Moarra Island. On the 7th, at an early hour, the 
Captains of the squadron received the plan and details of the 
operations to be undertaken against the city of Brune, 
should the Sultan act hostilely against the steamers going 
up the river. Seven gun-boats, manned by 100 seamen, 
were placed under the command of Captain Mundy. The 
Admiral having shifted his flag to the ' Spiteful,' she pro- 
ceeded up the river with the 'Hazard' and 'Royalist' in 
tow. The ' Spiteful,' lightened of every spare article on 
board, was forced through the mud across 100 yards, with 



170 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

two feet less water tlian she drew. The 'Royalist' fol- 
lowed, but the ' Hazard ' stuck fast. 

At 4 a.m., July 8th, Captains Johnstone and Mundy 
embarked in the ' Phlegethon, ' with a detachment of ma- 
rines under Captain Hawkins ; the rocket field-piece party 
and howitzers, under Lieutenant Paynter, assisted by Lieu- 
tenant Heath, with the seamen and small-arm men, accom- 
panied by the gun-boats of the squadron. On joining the 
Commander-in-Chief, he gave them their final orders. Cap- 
tain Mundy was to lead up the river in the ' Phlegethon ' 
to the city, taking the gun-boats in tow, and to prepare for 
action. The rocket and field-piece party also remained in 
the Company's steamer, and the following arrangements 
were made under the direction of Lieutenant Paynter : — 

The rocket-tubes, 24 and 12-pounders, six in number, 
were fixed on the bridge connecting the paddle-boxes, and 
the howitzers and field-pieces forward, ready to act on either 
bow. All the marines and small-arm men were on board the 
' Spiteful ' and ' Royalist,' the latter being in tow of the 
steam frigate. The whole number of bayonets was 600, viz., 
marines, 200 ; ' Agincourt's ' seamen, 186 ; ' Iris's ' seamen, 
64 ; ' Hazard's ' seamen, 50 ; ' Ringdove's ', 40 ; ' Spiteful' s,' 
40 ; ' Royalist's,' 20. The boats to land the party were the 
' Spiteful's ' paddle-box boats, which held 130 marines ; 
' Agincourt's ' pinnace and two cutters ; ' Iris,' two cutters ; 
' Ringdove,' one cutter ; ' Hazard,' one cutter ; ' Phlegethon,' 
four cutters. At half-past nine the signal was made to pro- 
ceed. On turning an angle of the river four batteries were 
seen, two of which were directly ahead, in a raking position. 
They now found the river staked across, and as they were 
sounding their way through the piles, the enemy's fire 
opened at a distance of 1,000 yards. The shot, round and 
grape, passed between the masts of the ' Phlegethon,' and 
beyond the ' Spiteful,' without striking. The former in- 
stantly returned the compliment with rockets and the pivot- 
guns ; the Javanese, under an able officer, Mr. Ross, be- 
having admirably. After a quarter of an hour's cannonade, 



CAPTURE OF BRUNE. 171 

Captain Mundy shoved off in the gun-boats, Lieutenant 
Patey being ordered to pull for the shore and to storm the 
batteries. They were erected on a precipice nearly 100 feet 
in height from the brink of the river, and the pathway 
leading to them was almost perpendicular ; so true, however, 
had been the fire from the steamer and gun-boats, that the 
resolution of the enemy failed them, and the gallant crews 
met with little opposition in forcing their way through the 
embrasures. In capturing the flag, a skirmish took place 
between the leading party of the British and the rear-guard 
of the enemy, as they escaped into the jungle. The iron- 
guns were spiked and the magazines, &c, destroyed, while 
three brass guns of great beauty were carried off. 

The steamer then taking the ' Royalist ' and gun-boats in 
tow, passed two other batteries, and anchored half-a-mile 
below the city, when all hands went to dinner. 

At half-past one the expedition was again in motion, an 
ebb-tide of three knots rendering their advance very slow. 
As the ' Phlegethon ' opened out round the point, the city 
battery and the hill-forts (the three together mounting 
18 guns) commenced firing. The first 32-pound shot 
passed through the paddle-box, breaking part of the wheel, 
and entering the galley amidship killed the cook. This was 
followed by showers of grape and canister, so well directed, 
that in five minutes another man was killed and several 
wounded ; the ' Phlegethon' s' return fire, however, destroyed 
the enemy's aim, and she pushed on without further loss. 
Captain Mundy again shoved off in the gun-boats to attack 
the batteries at close quarters, but the steamer's fire had 
been so hot that the enemy fled before they could be reached. 
Nine grape-shot had entered the iron side of the ' Phlege- 
thon,' below the water-line, and had she not been divided 
into compartments, she would inevitably have sunk. As soon 
as the ' Spiteful ' and ' Royalist ' had taken up their berths 
abreast of the large battery, d-fleur-d'eau, the marines 
were landed and marched to occupy the heights above the 
Sultan's palace, the batteries on which had been silenced and 



172 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

captured by the rocket and field-piece party under Lieut. 
Paynter. 

The Admiral, observing that the batteries in the rear were 
again manned, sent Captain Mundy with the gun-boats 
down the river to destroy them. This he partially did in five 
hours ; but from their great strength, it would have taken 
days to do so effectually. Thirty-nine pieces of cannon, 
mostly of large calibre, and 19 of them brass, fell into the 
hands of the British. The Sultan, his boasted army, and all 
the inhabitants had fled ; not a native was to be found in 
the capital, and a place which for 500 years had been under 
Mahomedan rule, now fell into the hands of a Christian 
power. 



PURSUIT OF THE SULTAN OF BRUNE. 

Me. Eeooke having heard that the Sultan, with a body- 
guard of 500 men, had retreated to the village of Damaun, a 
strong port about 30 miles from the capital, an expedition 
was formed to follow him. Sir Thomas Cochrane gave the 
command of it to Captain Mundy, who was accompanied by 
Mr. Brooke. 

The force consisted of 160 marines, under Capt. Hawkins ; 
300 seamen with eight lieutenants, and a proportionate 
number of junior officers. Lieutenant Yansittart acted as 
Captain Mundy' s aid-de-camp, and Lieutenant JNewland, 
First of the ' Spiteful,' afterwards joined them with a few 
small-arm men from that vessel, making altogether a body of 
nearly 500 men. 

They were to proceed as far as possible in boats ; three 
cutters-full under Lieutenant Heath, being kept ahead 
to clear a passage up the narrow stream. After seven hours 
of tracking, hauling almost in the dark from the overhang- 
ing jungle, and with the heat most oppressive, they effected 



PURSUIT OF THE SULTAN OF BRUNE. 173 

a landing. They advanced under heavy rain and through 
thick mnd and swamps, but after destroying some newly- 
erected forts, they were finally compelled to retrace their 
steps. The weather however clearing, though continuing 
very sultry, the expedition again advanced. On the way 
they fell in with a large house, in which were found some 
shields, arms, and other property belonging to the Sultan, 
which showed that he had lately occupied the spot. The 
natives now observing that no injury was done to private 
property, joined them and offered their services as guides. 

On reaching a river, Captain Mundy called for volunteers 
to swim it, to aid in forming a bridge. Immediately one of 
the carpenter's crew of the ' Iris,' William Burchet, leapt in 
with his heavy axe, and succeeded in crossing. Another 
large building was fallen in with, containing a magazine 
of powder, cartridges, and a brass-swivel gun. This house 
was found to belong to the Sultan, and that he had but 
a few hours before quitted it. It was therefore set fire 
to and destroyed. 

The Sultan and his followers still evading pursuit among 
the almost impenetrable jungle, the expedition returned 
to the city of Brune, some twenty of the officers and men 
suffering slightly from fever brought on by exposure to the 
damp and heat they had encountered in their march. 

The inhabitants clearly understanding the object of 
the British, now returned with confidence to the city, 
and they appeared fully to appreciate the philanthropic 
motives which had saved it from destruction. 



174 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY LN BORNEO. 



CAPTURE OF PIRATE PRAHUS, AND DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE 
STRONGHOLDS. 

On the 31st, as the ' Phlegethon,' with other vessels in 
company, was cruising off the Tampassuk river, a large 
prahn was seen pulling towards it, and which Mr. Brooke 
recognised as a war-boat of the Illanuns. The steamer soon 
got between her and the shore, and three boats sent after 
her brought her to. 

She was 60 feet long, fitted for 60 oars, with regular 
boarding-nettings, and was armed with one long twelve- 
pounder and two brass six-pound swivels. She had on board 
a coffin, in which was found the body of a chief lately killed 
in action. A Spaniard on board the ' Phlegethon,' and who 
had been rescued from slavery at Erune, recognized one 
of the crew as the man who had murdered the master of the 
Spanish vessel to which he belonged, and had made him pri- 
soner. Soon afterwards, two Spaniards came forward from 
among the crew and declared that they had been taken off 
the Manilla coast, and had since been compelled to labour as 
slaves on board the pirate. When the chief saw that his 
character was known, he and his people leaped overboard 
and endeavoured to reach the shore, but they were brought 
back and handcuffed. 

The town of Pandassan had long been celebrated as a 
notorious haunt of the Lllanun pirates. The town of Tam- 
passuk also had the same character. The latter was destroyed, 
with all the prahus found near it by Captain M'Quhae, of 
the ' Daedalus,' and a force of 250 seamen and marines. The 
expedition against Pandassan was placed under command of 
Captain Mundy. 

The force consisted of 40 marines, and 150 men, exclusive 
of the ' Javanese' crew under Mr. Eoss. Lieuts. Heath and 



CAPTURE OF PIRATE PRAHUS AND STRONGHOLDS. 175 

Noreock commanded the division of seamen, and Lieut. 
Alexander the marines. The position of this pirate strong- 
hold was most beautiful, and the soil around it fertile in the 
extreme. As the British advanced, the enemy retreated, 
skirmishing with the advanced guard, and they had several 
men killed and wounded. The town and all the war-prahus 
were at once destroyed. The pirates taken by the ' Phlege- 
thon,' were transferred to the 'Ringdove,' for passage to 
Manilla, where they were to be given up to the Spanish 
Government for trial. The Spanish Captains went with 
them to act as witnesses against them on their trial. 

On August 3rd, in the afternoon, three large prahus were 
observed from Her Majesty's ship 'Iris,' standing along- 
shore under a press of sail. The signal was accordingly 
made for the 'Ringdove' and ' Royalist' to chase. 

The 'Royalist' having got within range of the prahus, 
and her Commander, Lieut. Reid, finding it impracticable to 
take her nearer to the reef, lowered his gigs, and sent them 
away under the orders of Mr. Quin (mate) and Mr. Ray 
(midshipman). The prahus having separated, pulled at 
once for the shore, upon which Mr. Ray was directed to push 
quickly towards the beach, and to endeavour to cut off 
the largest one in her attempt to escape to the northward, 
whilst Mr. Quin gave chase to the other two, which were re- 
treating in an opposite direction. One of the latter managed 
to get so close to the surf before she was overtaken, that the 
crews jumped overboard, and swam to the shore, when she 
was immediately captured and destroyed, and Mr. Quin then 
observing that an engagement was going on between the 
other prahu and the small gig, pulled in that direction to 
her assistance. Mr. Ray, in the mean time, had come up 
rapidly with the large prahu, which, on observing that only 
one small boat was approaching, faced about, and opened a 
fire of musketry, and then endeavoured to board the gig. 
This, however, was prevented by Mr. Ray, who manoeuvering 
judiciously, kept within long range of the pirates, waiting for 
support, but at the same time maintained so good a fire, that 



176 SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY IN BORNEO. 

many of those desperate men were killed ; others jumped 
overboard, and swimming to the gig, clung with one hand to 
the gunwale, and with invincible courage attacked the crews 
with their knives. Mr. Quin came up as this sharp affair ter- 
minated ; and when the large prahu was taken possession of, 
ten men were found dead on board ; and out of her crew of 
forty, only a few managed to get on shore. It was at this 
time dark ; the boats were only a few hundred yards from 
the beach, which was lined with hundreds of natives watching 
the conflict. The prahu was afterwards destroyed, and the 
gigs returned on board the ' Royalist,' the third vessel effect- 
ing her escape under cover of night. Mr. Bay was compli- 
mented by the Admiral for his judgment and mode of attack 
in this gallant affair, and Lieut. Reid for the judicious 
management of his vessel. Mr. Quia has since received his 
promotion. 



DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE MADE BY A PIRATE CRE^. 

"While H.M.S. ' Ringdove,' Commander Sir William Hoste, 
Bart., was cruising off the island of Balambangan, he chased 
three suspicious-looking prahus, till the brig had shoaled 
her water to her own draught. He then lowered his boats, 
and despatched them in pursuit, under Lieut. JNorcock. 
That officer having boarded them, shortly after they had 
run on shore, and were deserted by their crews, found them 
to be laden with rice and other products of the country — 
while they had no guns or arms of any sort below. Imagin- 
ing, therefore, that they were trading-vessels, he returned 
towards the ' Ringdove,' upon which the crews immediately 
regained the prahus, and were again making off from the 
shore, when a second order from Sir "William Hoste, 
despatched by another boat, directed Lieut. Norcock to bring 
one of the prahus to the brig, in order that the Commander 
might himself judge of her character. 



ATTEMPT OF A PIRATE CREW TO ESCAPE. 177 

One of the prahus was accordingly taken possession of, 
and brought alongside the ' Eingdove,' the crew willingly 
rowing it themselves. During the long pull, they appeared 
perfectly satisfied with the excursion, and chatted good- 
humouredly, through the interpreter, with the marines and 
seamen. As a precaution, however, a guard, of three marines 
and several seamen, was placed over them. At first, while 
being made fast alongside the brig, they remained perfectly 
quiet. Suddenly, however, without the slightest previous 
warning, the pirates, (for such they were, they having skil- 
fully concealed their arms,) arose, and flew simultaneously 
with their krisses upon the seamen and marines, when before 
they could defend themselves, one marine was killed, and two 
marines and a seaman severely wounded, they being indeed 
the only English on board the prahu at the time. She was, 
it must be understood, under the quarter, and touching 
the counter of the brig. The chief of the pirates, it is said, 
himself killed the marine placed sentry over them, with his 
kriss, and as the unfortunate man fell into the hold of the 
prahu, he seized his musket and fired it at the officers 
standing at. the gangway. Another desperado lunging his 
spear through the after-port of the ' Eingdove,' mortally 
wounded the master, who was standing near. The pirates 
then cut the hawser adrift, and seizing their paddles, made 
off for the shore. 

As it was at this time nearly dark, their desperate 
manoeuvre might have succeeded, had not the boats of the 
brig been quickly manned and sent in chase. The prahu 
was overtaken and boarded in less than ten minutes, upon 
which, the crew retreated below, and with their long spears 
through the bamboo flooring, made a desperate defence, and 
finally, refusing all quarter, they were slain to a man, and 
the prahu was sunk by the gun of the pinnace. 



178 SUPPRESSION OF PIKACY IN BORNEO. 



CONCLUDING REMARKS ON BORNEO. 

The accounts I have above given will sufficiently show the 
nature of the work the British squadron on the coast of 
Borneo is called on to perform, and the character of the 
people with whom it has to contend, as also the difficulties 
our gallant officers and men have to encounter, and triumph- 
ing over them, the benefit they have secured, both to the 
native inhabitants and to Great Britain herself. "When 
Mr. Brooke first went to Borneo, he found the country 
desolated by internal wars, the strong remorselessly preying 
on the weak in every direction, and, though possessing a 
soil abounding in the most valuable natural productions, 
and capable of yielding, under cultivation, an almost 
unlimited supply of the fruits of the earth, yet, without any 
domestic or foreign commerce. "Within a few years, by his 
enlightened exertions, he has, in a great degree, put a stop 
to piracy, by aid of the naval force placed at his disposal, 
he has induced the native tribes to live at peace with each 
other, and to attend to agriculture, and he has opened up 
an increasing commercial intercourse through all parts of 
the country. There breathes not a truer patriot or a more 
honest single-minded man than James Brooke, Kajah of 
Sarawak. He has since received the honour of knighthood ; 
but such a man honours those who bestow honours on him 
—by accepting them. Whatever may be said to the con- 
trary, we may be well assured that the British squadron 
on the coast of Borneo has not only supported the cause 
of humanity, but has advanced, in no small degree, the 
material interests of Great Britain. 



( 179 ) 



EXPEDITION UP THE NIGEK, 

UNDER CAPTAIN W. D. TROTTER, 1841. 



OBJECTS OF THE EXPEDITION. 

The civilized nations of the world have from the earliest 
ages possessed but a very imperfect knowledge of the in- 
terior of Africa. Numerous attempts have been made to 
penetrate into the mysteries of that unknown region, but 
they have, one after the other, failed, either from the treachery 
of the natives, or the still more deadly effects of the climate. 
The discovery of the Niger by Mungo Park, in 1796, opened 
a new track to adventurers, which many were not slow in 
following. The most enterprising of these were the brothers 
Lander, who, reaching the banks of the great river at 
Bussah, a town upwards of 600 miles from the mouth, 
descended the stream in a frail canoe to the ocean. In con- 
sequence of the reports of the quantity of ivory they had 
seen, an expedition was fitted out in Liverpool, under Mr. 
Laird, now well known as an enterprising explorer, for the 
purpose of commencing a trade in it. Lieut. W. Allen was 
directed by the Admiralty to accompany this expedition for 
the purpose of surveying the river. As a mercantile specu- 
lation, the expedition was a failure, as a very little ivory was 
found ; but much information was obtained, which after- 
wards proved useful. But a still nobler object than the 
extension of commerce animated the originators of the expe- 
dition, an account of which we are about to narrate. This 
was the suppression of the slave trade. In spite of all Eug- 
land had done, the unremitting efforts of her Government, 
the treasure she had expended, and the lives of her gallant 

* 2 



180 EXPEDITION UP THE XIGER. 

seamen which had been sacrificed, that nefarious traffic still 
flourished. Among the warmest advocates of the rights of 
the Africans was Sir Fowell Buxton, by whose means chiefly 
a society was formed, of which His Royal Highness Prince 
Albert was president, entitled " A Society for the Extinction 
of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa." The 
means for effecting this object, proposed by Sir F. Buxton, 
was the employment of her own resources, by impeding the 
slave trade, establishing legitimate commerce, promoting and 
teaching agriculture, and imparting religious and moral in- 
struction. To carry them into execution, the Society induced 
the Government to send out three steamers, with directions 
to establish trading posts and agricultural stations at con- 
venient spots on the banks of the Xiger. The three vessels 
' Albert,' ' AYilberforce,' and ' Soudan,' were built for the 
express purpose by Mr. Laird, of Liverpool. The two first 
were 139 feet 4 inches in length on deck ; 27 feet breadth of 
beam ; 11 feet depth of hold ; 6 feet draught of water, fully 
laden - T and 457 tons measurement. The ' Soudan' drew 
only 4 feet 6 inches ; was in tonnage, 249 ; in length, 113 
feet 4 inches ; breadth of beam, 22 feet ; and depth of hold, 
8 feet 8 inches. They were fitted with ventilating machines, 
and every improvement which science has contributed was 
employed in their structure and fitting up. The command 
was given to Captain Henry Dundas Trotter, R.N., and he 
had under him Commanders William Allen and Bird Alleu. 
These three officers, to whom was added Mr. William Cook, 
well known for his humane exertions in saving the lives of 
the crew and passengers of the ' Kent ' East Indiaman, birrnt 
at sea, were appointed by the Queen to act as her Commis- 
sioners, to form treaties with the native chiefs for the sup- 
pression of the internal slave trade, and for the establishment 
of lawful commerce. Every means that science could devise 
was employed for the preservation of the health of the crews. 
The two larger vessels were armed with one long brass 
twelve-pounder, two brass twelve-pounder howitzers, and 
four brass one-pounder swivels, besides musketoons and 



OBJECTS OF THE EXPEDITION. 181 

small arms. The ' Soudan' had one howitzer and two swivels 
of similar calibre. They had lofty masts, and were square- 
rigged forward and schooner aft ; but though excellent sea- 
boats from being flat-bottomed, when hauled on a wind they 
made much leeway. 

The following is a list of the officers employed in the" ex- 
pedition : — 

H. M. steam- vessel 'Albert' — H. D. Trotter, captain; 
E. G. Eishbourne, lieutenant ; *D. H. Stenhouse, lieutenant 
and assistant-surveyor; *G. B. Harvey, master; Theodore 
Muller, chaplain ; J. 0. M' William, M.D., surgeon ; * James 
Woodhouse, assistant-surgeon ; E. D. Nightengale, assistant- 
surgeon (in 'Amelia') ; William Bowden, purser; * William 
C. Willie, mate; James H. Eairholme, mate (served in 
' Amelia ') ; B. T. Saunders, second-master ; W. B. Bush, 
clerk ; *W. H. Willmett, clerk ; Bichard Mouat, assistant- 
clerk ; William Merriman, gunner ; John Langley, engineer 
1st class ; # Albion Lodge, ditto, 2nd class ; James Brown, 
ditto, ditto ; William Stanger, M.D. ; with a crew of 25 
white men, 13 coloured, 8 marines, and 4 sappers and 
miners. 

H. M. steam- vessel ' Yfilberforce ' — William Allen, com- 
mander ; James N. Strange, lieutenant ; Henry C. Harston, 
lieutenant (served in 'Amelia') ; William Eorster, master; 
Morris Pritchett, M.D., surgeon; J. B. H. Thomson, as- 
sistant-surgeon; John Stirling, assistant-surgeon; # Cyrus 
Wakeham, purser ; Henry C. Toby, mate ; W. H. T. Green, 
second-master and assistant-surveyor ; # J. H. B. Webb, 
clerk ; William Johnston, engineer 1st class ; Joseph Gray- 
stock, ditto 2nd class ; George Garritte, ditto 3rd class. 
Civilians : — William Cook, commissioner ; J. E. Terry, chief 
clerk to commissioner ; William Simpson, clerk to ditto ; 
Eev. J. E. Schon, missionary ; *Dr. E. B. Vogel, botanist ; 
C. G. Bocher, miner and geologist ; Lewis Erazer, naturalist ; 

* Those marked with an asterisk died from the river fever. 



182 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER. 

Alfred Carr, superintendent of model farm; John Ansell, 
collector of plants ; crew of 23 white men, 7 coloured, 9 
marines, and 4 sappers and miners. 

H. M. steam- vessel ' Soudan' — *Bird Allen, commander ; 
"William Ellis, lieutenant; John Belam, master; *W. B. 
Marshall, surgeon ; *H. C. Collman, assistant- surgeon ; "W.H. 
Webb, mate ; P. "W. Sidney, mate ; * Nicholas "Waters, 
clerk ; *"William Kingdon, assistant-clerk and schoolmaster ; 
Gr. V. Grustaffson, engineer 1st class ; "William Johnson, ditto 
2nd class ; crew of 15 white men, 4 coloured, and 4 marines. 

Of the crews 27 died from the river fever, and of the re- 
mainder of the white men the greater number caught it, 
though the coloured men all escaped. 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE VOYAGE. 

Ok the 12th of May, 1841, the three vessels left Plymouth ; 
the line-of-battle-ships anchored in the Sound, manning their 
rigging and cheering them as they passed by. After touch- 
ing at Madeira, St. Vincent, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and 
other places on the coast, they reached Cape Coast Castle 
on the 24th of July. At Sierra Leone, a schooner, a con- 
demned slaver, was purchased ; she was called the ' Amelia,' 
and the command of her was given to Mr. Harston. Here 
also a hundred negroes, chiefly Krumen, were taken on board 
to assist in working the vessels and save the white men from 
exposure to the sun and heavy rains. Their head-man was 
named " Jack Andrews," and he had under him " Jack Pry- 
ingpan," "King George," "Jack Sprat," "Prince Albert," 
"Bottle of Beer," and "Tom Tea-kettle," with a number of 
other similar cognomens. Already fever had broken out, 
and two had died from its effects. 

The ' Wilberforce ' had a narrow escape in running be- 
* Those marked with, an asterisk died from the river fever. 



COMMENCEMENT OF THE VOYAGE. 183 

tween Cape Palmas and Cape Three Points. Eeing short of 
wood, she was standing on tinder canvass, with a very light 
air, dining a dark night, when it was discovered that a strong 
current was setting her on shore. In the centre of the bay 
there is a twisting channel, of vast depth, called the " Bot- 
tomless Pit." In the early and middle part of the night no 
bottom was fonnd by the lead. This must have been when 
they were crossing the pit. At 3 a.m. fortunately they 
struck soundings in 37 fathom. At 4-40 it decreased to 
18 fathom, and five minutes afterwards to 10 fathom, when 
they anchored, and as they did so the roar of the breakers 
gave them fearful warning of their proximity to the coast. 
The land being here very low and covered with underwood, 
and the sand of the beach being of a light colour, it would 
not have been seen had not the decrease of the soundings 
caused them to look out for it. At daylight they found 
themselves close to breakers, about half a mile from the 
shore, with a very heavy surf all along the beach. Having 
got up the steam, they made a good offing, and passed Cape 
Three Points, when they arrived off a place called Bobsum 
Accra. Here a heavy surf gave little prospect of their being 
able to procure wood. A boat was, however, sent to try to 
communicate with the natives ; and Mr. Toby, mate, volun- 
teered for the service, which was one of considerable danger. 
He succeeded in landing ; but in attempting to come off 
again, the boat was swamped and upset, and all hands were 
thrown by the surf on the beach. Happily the natives were 
of a friendly tribe, and rendered them every assistance. 
Had a similar event occurred off the Bottomless Pit, where 
the natives are hostile, they would have probably been put 
to death. 

At Cape Coast Castle the Governor, Mr. M'Lean, afforded 
the expedition every assistance. Here Mr. Marshall, sur- 
geon, and Mr. Webb, mate of the ' Soudan,' volunteered to 
proceed overland to the confluence of the Niger and Chadda ; 
but as their services in their ships could not be spared, then 
gallant offer was not accepted. 



184 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER. 

Proceeding to Accra, they left it on the 4th of August to 
their rendezvous off the mouth of the Niger ; and, on their 
passage there, encountered some heavy weather. On Friday, 
the 13th of August, the ' Albert ' and ' Soudan,' having com- 
pleted their preparations, weighed at daylight, and, under 
the pilotage of Lieut. Levinge, commanding H. M. S. ' Buz- 
zard,' one of the squadron on the coast, he having previously 
examined it, steamed over the har in safety, though a consi- 
derable surf was running. The ' Wilberforce,' having more 
goods and furniture to take for the model farm, was not 
ready till the 15th. 



SHIPS ENTER THE NIGER. 

The moment that the ships entered was one of deep and 
breathless expectation, both on account of the difficulty of 
the passage, but more especially as it was the first step on 
that path so full of novelty and interest, yet, as all knew, so 
fraught with danger ; but their zeal made them overlook the 
peril, and three hearty cheers announced their safe accom- 
plishment of the exploit. The next day another death, that 
of Bach, the instrument- maker, occurred from fever. Having 
accompanied the expedition up some way, Lieut. Levinge, 
commanding H. M. S. ' Buzzard,' took his departure, bearing 
letters from many, alas ! the last their friends at home were 
destined to receive from them. Difficulties of various sorts 
beset the explorers on their passage up the river, though the 
natives generally showed a friendly disposition. Besides the 
enervating and deadly effects of the climate, the vessels fre- 
quently took the ground, and much labour was required to 
get them off. They had a strong current to contend with ; 
and they also suffered from a new species of pest in the 
shape of snakes, many of them venomous, which climbed on 
board and stowed themselves away in all corners. Crocodiles 
also were seen in numbers floating down the river. On the 



SHIPS ENTER THE NIGER. 185 

2nd of September they reached the city of Iddah, governed 
by a powerful chief, with the title of Attah, with whom a 
treaty was formed for the suppression of the slave-trade and 
of human sacrifices, and from whom also a tract of country 
was purchased for the establishment of a model-farm. About 
the 12th of September the stores, &c, for the model-farm 
were landed. In disembarking some heavy ironwork, the 
paddle-box boat of the ' "Wilberforce ' got adrift, and, owing 
to the strength of the current, filled and sunk in a deep part 
of the river, whence she could not be recovered. This was 
a very severe loss. 

"We now come to the most melancholy part of our story. 
Dr. Thomson thus writes on the 17th September : — " For 
the last three days the fever had been progressing rapidly in 
all the vessels, and in the little ' Soudan ' only six persons 
were able to move about, and these showed evident proofs by 
depression of spirits and lassitude — that the dreadful climate 
was too surely doing its work. Lieut. Ellis, Mr. Marshall, 
Mr. Waters, and several of her crew, were still in a most 
dangerous state. On board the ' Albert,' Mr. Nightingale, 
the assistant surgeon, was at the point of death ; and several 
in the ' "WTLberforce ' in almost as hopeless a state. The 
scenes at night were most agonizing. Nothing but mutter- 
ing delirium, or suppressed groans were heard on every side 
on board the vessels, affording a sad contrast to the placid 
character of the river and its surrounding scenery. Nearly 
every person, even the unattacked, complained of the ener- 
vating feeling of the climate. One day Mr. Collman, the 
acting assistant-surgeon, was desired by Commander Bird 
Allen to go on board the ' Amelia ' tender as medical officer. 
He burst into tears ; and, on being asked the reason, he 
replied, it was from involuntary weakness, produced by the 
climate. It also appeared afterwards that he had, during a 
little repose snatched from his duties, been disheartened by 
a feverish dream of his home and family." 

On the 18th of September the number of sick had increased 
to 60, and death had done fearful execution among them. 



186 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER, 

Captain Trotter at first proposed sending the sick to enjoy 
the pure air at the summit of Mount Patteh ; but ultimately 
decided on despatching them to the sea in the ' Soudan,' 
under command of Lieut. Fishbourne. A consultation of 
the Commissioners was held, at which Captain W. Allen 
and Mr. Cook earnestly recommended that the whole expe- 
dition should return to the sea on account of the malaria, 
which would assuredly ascend from the low grounds, as the 
falling waters, after the cessation of the rains, left them ex- 
posed to the heat of the sun. Captain Trotter and Com- 
mander Bird Allen, supported by the medical opinion of Dr. 
M William, were of opinion that, by ascending higher up the 
river, a more healthy climate would be reached. They were 
also powerfully influenced by their earnest desire to carry 
out the object of the expedition; and undaunted by the 
dangers and difficulties before them, these brave men deter- 
mined to proceed. 

All the sick among the crews were informed that they 
might return to the sea in the ' Soudan,' but the greater 
number replied that they would stick to their ships to the 
last. The number of fever cases increasing on board the 
' Wilberforce,' Commander "William Allen, with a moral 
courage not inferior to that of his brother officers, from 
his former experience of the river, urged Captain Trotter to 
allow him also to carry his ship back to the sea. This re- 
quest could not be refused, and accordingly, on the 20th, the 
two vessels separated, the ' Albert ' to proceed up the river, 
and the ' Wilberforce, with nearly all sick on board, to re- 
turn to the coast. Of all the officers who left England in 
the gun-room of the ' Albert,' but two only, Drs. M' William 
and Stanger remained, while the numbers of her crew also 
were sadly diminished ; still, with unflinching courage, they 
continued their progress. In a very few days Commander 
Bird Allen and Lieut. Stenhouse were taken ill, and one 
of the engineers and a seaman were placed on the sick- 
list ; to them were added shortly Mr. Fairhohne and Mr. 
Webb, mates. On anchoring off Muye, which is in the 



SHIPS ENTER THE NIGER. 187 

territory of the Attah of Iddah, a canoe belonging to the 
chief came off with three slaves on hoard, a boy and two 
women. It was found that they had been purchased after 
the signature of the treaty. A trial being held, Captain 
Trotter instantly released them, and having clothed them 
properly, they were conveyed in safety to Fernando Po, where 
the lad was apprenticed to a carpenter, and the women 
placed under proper care, all showing the greatest gratitude 
for the treatment they had received. 

On the 27th, John Euge, an able seaman, died, and on the 
following day, soon after the ship anchored at Egga, the re- 
maining engineer was taken ill, while several of the patients 
were in a very low condition. 

A tornado came on, and was welcomed by all on board. 
Greorge Syme, quarter-master, was added to the number of 
the dead in the evenhig. As the ship went on her course, 
her numbers slowly and hourly thinning, still her work of 
Christian love proceeded. At Egga the women unhesitat- 
ingly brought their children on board to be vaccinated. To- 
day " James Macaulay, one of the Nun interpreters engaged 
at Sierra Leone accidentally met with his sister in the 
streets of Egga. This man had been enslaved and sold 20 
years before, when he was sent down to the coast. Her 
object in coming on board was to see if Captain Trotter 
could intercede with the Eilatahs in her behalf, as they had 
lately carried off two of her children to Sokatu." Alas, 
that an undertaking which might have proved a blessing to 
thousands of the helpless sons of Africa should, by the in- 
scrutable designs of Providence, have been denied success ! 
All we can feel is, that He who rules all things has appointed 
some other means to accomplish it, which He will show us 
at the chosen season ; or, rather let us believe, that it is a 
work by which he will try the sincerity of the Christian and 
philanthropist warrior. He shows us clearly the difficulties 
to be overcome, and says, " Eor my sake rise and conquer 
them." 



188 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER, 



EXPEDITION COMPELLED TO RETURN. 

" On the 3rd of October," writes the undaunted Dr. 
M'William, " our hopes of penetrating further into the in- 
terior received a finishing blow. Our arduous, enterprising, 
and kind chief, who was complaining yesterday, has now un- 
mistakable symptoms of fever. Commander Bird Allen lies 
in a very critical state, and upwards of 20 others of our 
companions are completely prostrated; in short, of the 
whites at all fit for duty there remain only one seaman, the 
serjeant, and one private of marines ; John Huxley, sick 
attendant ; John Duncan, master-at-arms ; Mr. Y^illie, mate ; 
Dr. Stanger, and myself. Mr. Willie, I fear, is not altoge- 
ther well. How unfortunate is this ! To be arrested, as it 
were, at the very threshold of this fine country, where the 
mountain ranges — tabular, rounded, and of all forms — seen 
afar, rising majestically on the clear horizon, invite us with 
all the interest and attraction that belong to unknown 
regions. 

" Those only who were with Captain Trotter from first to 
last in the expedition, and had an opportunity of observing 
with what unceasing zeal, what untiring energy, he devoted 
himself to its grand objects, can form an idea of the painful 
sacrifice stern necessity compelled him to make when he 
issued the order to turn the vessel's head downwards, and 
relinquished designs which his benevolent mind had so long 
and so ardently cherished." 

On the 5th communications were opened with the King 
of Buddah,.to interest him in stopping the slave-trade. On 
the 6th Mr. "Willie was too ill to take any charge on deck, so 
Dr. Stanger undertook to work the engines, with some as- 
sistance from Mr. Brown, the only engineer able to move ; 
while Dr. M' William attended to the navigation of the ship, 



EXPEDITION COMPELLED TO RETURN. 189 

in addition to his duties with the sick. Captain B. Allen 
and Lieut. Stenhouse were both dangerously ill. Several 
times the vessel touched the ground, but got off without 
injury. Our narrative is melancholy, but it is instructive. 
It affords a fine example of the undaunted and persevering 
spirit which animates the bosoms of both officers and sea- 
men in the navy. 

On the 8th of October Dr. M'William writes, " Last 
night, about twelve o'clock, while snatching a few minutes' 
sleep on one of the gun-room lockers, I was awoke by a 
splash in the water, followed by a loud scream. Rushing on 
deck, I found, to my horror, that Mr. Wilmett, one of the 
sick officers, who had been delirious for some days, had con- 
trived, notwithstanding that he was watched by two black 
men, to push back the slide of his cabin- window and to jump 
overboard. "While the boat was being lowered, William 
G-uy, a Grambia man, and Tom Osmond, a Kruman, leaped 
into the river and swam after him. Every one who could 
manage to crawl was instantly on deck. It was pitch-dark, 
and the cries of the poor fellow becoming more and more 
feeble as he was being carried rapidly down the river by the 
force of the current, broke dismally the dead silence of the 
night, and filled us all with the most fearful anticipations as 
to his fate. No one moved or spoke ; the attention of every- 
one was kept painfully on the rack as the hollow sound of 
the oars in the rullocks, gradually becoming more distinct, 
denoted that the boat was returning. At length, after beino- 
kept in a state of torturing anxiety for 20 minutes, we 
again began to breathe freely when she came alongside with 
our shipmate, whom we had all but given up for lost. The 
Africans, guided by "Willmett's cries, had followed him close, 
but did not come up with him until they were a mile below 
the ship. They contrived to hold him on until the boat 
dropped down and picked them up." We are glad to say, 
that the two brave Africans received the diploma and hono- 
rary silver medallion from the Royal Humane Society of 
London. 



190 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER. 

The following day another sufferer from fever, Mr. Lodge, 
the second engineer, in a fit of delirium, unfortunately suc- 
ceeded in evading the observation of the sick attendants and 
the officers near him, and, jumping overboard, was drowned. 
In this manner, day after day, the numbers of the hapless 
crew continuing to thin, the vessel descended the stream 
under the anxious guidance of the two medical officers. On 
reaching the model-farm, all the Europeans were found suf- 
fering from sickness on board the ' Amelia,' and even Mr. 
Carr was ill on shore. Captain Trotter, therefore, took all 
the whites on board the ' Albert,' leaving the ' Amelia' and 
the farm in charge of some intelligent negroes. On sailed 
the death ship ! How she was found we shall have to re- 
count. 

We left the ' Wilberforce ' on the 21st September, about 
to part company from the ' Albert,' and to follow the plague- 
stricken ' Soudan ' down the river. Captain "William Allen 
being very unwell, Lieut. Strange took charge of the navi- 
gation of the ' Wilberforce,' which he conducted with great 
skill, and the vessel rapidly descended the river. Among 
other difficulties the Krumen had to contend with was, ob- 
taining wood sufficiently dry to burn in the stoves, and 
sometimes it was so green that it would hardly get up the 
steam. 

How different were the feelings of the crew on their 
return through the narrow and winding reaches to those 
they experienced on their way up. Then the elasticity of 
health and hope gave to the scenery a colouring of exceeding 
loveliness. The very silence and solitude had a soothing in- 
fluence, which invited to meditation and pleasing anticipa- 
tions for the future. Now it was the stillness of death, 
broken only by the strokes and echoes of the paddle-wheels, 
and the melancholy song of the leadsmen, which seemed the 
knell and dirge of their dying comrades. The palm-trees, 
before so graceful in their drooping leaves, were now gigantic 
hearse-like plumes. 

At length, on the 25th, they anchored just inside Cape 



EXPEDITION COMPELLED TO RETURN. 191 

Xun, where they might enjoy the advantage of the sea- 
breeze ; but on the following day, Sunday, poor Mr. Cyrus 
"Wakeham breathed his last, and of the whole ship's com- 
pany fourteen only were able to attend divine service, per- 
formed in the captain's cabin. 

On the 30th, on their way to Fernando Po, Mr. Green, 
the second master, and a stoker, were taken ill, and they 
had now only one officer, Lieut. Strange, and one engineer, 
doing duty. The little ' Soudan' was there found in even a 
worse condition. It had been Captain Trotter's desire, that 
as soon as she had landed the sick on board, she should 
return to his assistance. On leaving the confluence on the 
19th September, she had on board sixteen cases of fever from 
the ' Albert,' and six from the ' Wilberforce,' making with 
her own crew on the lists upwards of forty cases. Lieut. 
Eishbourne had charge of her, and Assistant- Surge on Stirling 
was sent on board to assist Mr. Thomson. At this time 
nearly all the white men, and even some of the coloured 
"West Indians, were laid down with fever, leaving only Mr. 
Sidney and four men able to do duty. Of this number for- 
tunately two were stokers, and had some little knowledge of 
the management of the engines. Every place on deck and 
below was crowded with sick, either worn out and exhausted 
by the continuance of fever, or in the more active and excited 
stages. 

In the commander's cabin were two officers, Lieut. Ellis 
and Mr. Marshall; in the gun-room, Lieut. Harston and 
Mr. "Waters, clerk in charge ; forward were two engineers in 
their cabins, and Mr. Belam, master, in the small midship- 
men's berth ; while the foremost compartment and decks 
were hung over with the cots and hammocks of the sufferers 
the latter under proper awnings, but so thickly stowed, that 
when administering remedies and food, it was necessary to 
pass or step from one over the other. On the 20th, the only 
remaining executive officer, Mr. Sidney, a quarter-master, 
and a marine, were added to the sick-list, so that all the 
duty of the ship fell on Lieut. Eishboume. On the 21st 



192 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER. 

Mr. Marshall, the acting surgeon, died, and Mr. "Waters and 
Lewis Wolfe soon after followed him. Lieut. Strange was 
now put in command of the ' Soudan,' with orders to get her 
ready for sea as soon as possible, in order to proceed to the 
assistance of Captain Trotter. Fortunately a small mer- 
chant steamer, the ' Ethiope,' commanded by Mr. Eeecroft, 
an old veteran of the coast, came in, and was engaged to 
proceed in search of the c Albert.' On the 9th of -October, 
the ' Wilberforce' put to sea, bound for Ascension, more 
like a wreck than a ship-of-war, with her coals yet not stowed 
away below. Her only officer was Commander "W. Allen, 
and an engineer lent from the ' Pluto,' assisted by one of the 
remaining stokers, who was fortunately able to work the 
engine ; and there were only two seamen, and a very few 
marines or idlers, able to do duty. The ' Pluto,' however, 
kept them company. Death had not yet deserted them, and 
Serjeant Cuthberton, of the Marines, expired on the 12th. 
At the island of Annobone they spent a week, and most of 
the crew recovered sufficiently to do duty. Lieut. Fish- 
bourne and Mr. Bowden were now sent back in the ' Pluto ' 
to rejoin the 'Albert,' as, should they succeed in falling in 
with her, Captain Trotter would find their services of use. 

The ' Soudan' meantime, under command of Lieut. Strange, 
sailed on the 9th for the river Nun. Having but one person 
on board who understood the engine — a stoker from the 
' Pluto ' — and his knowledge being superficial, the machinery 
often came to a sudden stand-still, and against a head- sea 
and wind the vessel made but slow progress. 

On the 13th there was a long delay on account of some 
derangement of the engine ; however, after the loss of some 
hours, it was put in order, and on the morning of the 16th 
the ' Soudan was just going over the bar into the Nun, when 
the ' Ethiope ' and ' Albert ' were perceived coming out. It 
was a lovely morning, and the scenery about the river looked 
very beautiful, affording a sad contrast to the dingy and 
deserted look of the ' Albert,' 

Many were, of course, the painful surmises as to the fate 



EXPEDITION COMPELLED TO RETURN. 193 

of those on board. On approaching, however, the melan- 
choly truth was soon told. The fever had been doing its 
direst work ; several were dead, many dying, and of all the 
officers, but two, Drs. M William and Stanger, were able to 
move about. The former presented himself, and waved his 
hand ; and one emaciated figure was seen to be raised up 
for a second. This was Captain Trotter, who, in his anxiety 
to look at the ' Soudan ' again, had been lifted out of his cot. 
Little more than two months had elapsed since the 'Albert' 
entered that river with an enterprising crew, full of life and 
buoyant with bright hopes of accomplishing the objects in 
which all had so ardently engaged, and now, alas ! how 
changed those brave and gallant spirits ! — many in their 
graves, others dying, and all suffering from disease ! If 
any of the few who afterwards called in question the en- 
during courage of those employed in the expedition had been 
there, such a picture might have repressed their unfeeling 
expressions. 

Those two brave medical officers, Drs. M'William and 
Stanger, were almost worn out when the ' Albert ' was met 
with by Captain Beecroft, to whose prompt and noble con- 
duct their preservation was, under Providence, owing. The 
' Albert ' reached Clarence Cove, Fernando Po, in safety ; 
but, alas ! here several more of her officers died. The first 
was Mr. Willie, mate. The fever had seized him when all 
the other executive officers were sick ; and feeling how much 
depended on his exertions, he continued at his duty in spite 
of the remonstrances of his medical friends, and it was only 
when strength and reason forsook him that he yielded. On 
the 25th, to the deep regret of all, died the brave and per- 
severing Commander Bird Allen; and on the 28th Lieut. 
David Hope Stenhouse breathed his last. Many other brave 
men followed them to their graves. 

Captain Trotter continued much debilitated, while anxiety 
for all the past distressing events preyed on his mind. Tet 
he never lost sight of those intrusted to his care : his own 
sufferings seemed to be altogether forgotten in his anxiety 



194 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER. 

for the welfare of the expedition, and in the hope of yet 
being able to carry out the great design of its originators. 
The medical officers, however, were of opinion that on his 
return to England depended the preservation of his life. 
Accordingly, on the 22nd he embarked in the ' Warree ' 
schooner, to the great regret of all he left behind. 



SECOND ATTEMPT TO ASCEND THE NIGER. 

Information having been received by Commander William 
Allen, now the senior officer of the expedition, that Mr. Carr 
had been murdered by the natives on ascending the river, 
and that the people at the model-farm were in danger of an 
attack, he resolved to proceed at once to the Nun. 

Several officers on board the ' Wilberforce ' volunteered to 
renew their services up the river, and thus again to undergo 
all the dangers they had lately escaped. Accordingly Lieut. 
Ellis was appointed to command the * Soudan,' and under 
him were Lieut. Webb, Messrs. Sidney and Eairholme, 
mates, and J. B. H. Thomson, surgeon. She had been left 
at Eernando Po, where, after much labour, she was got ready 
for sea. Just, however, as the expedition was about to sail, 
H. M. steamer ' Driver ' arrived on her way to China ; and 
though she brought no despatches to guide Captain Allen, a 
newspaper she had on board contained a speech of Lord 
Stanley's, in which he remarked that it was not the intention 
of Her Majesty's Government to renew the exploration of 
the river on account of the risk to the white men. Captain 
Allen, therefore, determined to await instructions from Eng- 
land before he commenced the ascent of the river. Mean- 
time the ' Wilberforce ' and ' Soudan ' were employed in 
surveying the coast, in visiting places for the purpose of 
inducing the chiefs to suppress the slave-trade, in endeavour- 
ing to win their affections, and in encouraging commerce. 
All Captain Allen's plans were formed, and his officers and 



SECOND ATTEMPT TO ASCEND THE NIGEK. 195 

crews had resolved cheerfully to undergo the terrific dangers 
they had before escaped in the execution of their duty, when, 
on the 24th June, H. M. steamer ' Kite,' Lieut. G-ooch, 
arrived with despatches, stopping all further proceedings. 
Captain Allen was, however, directed to send one of the 
steamers, with a black crew, and only the number of white 
officers absolutely necessary to navigate her, to bring away 
the people and property from the model-farm. For this 
service the following officers at once bravely volunteered : — 
Lieut. W. H. Webb; Mr. J. H. E. Webb, clerk, Mr. 
Hensman, acting assistant-surgeon ; Mr. J. "Waddington, 
boatswain ; Mr. Henry Davey, carpenter ; Messrs. W. John- 
ston, Cross, and H. Collins, engineers. Mr. Webb selected 
40 of the best Krumen to follow him, and among them was 
Captain Allen's faithful Jack Smoke. 

On Sunday, the 26th, the captain performed divine ser- 
vice for his crew, and his officers dined with him afterwards ; 
and on the 2nd July, having embarked in the ' Kite,' he saw 
the ' Wilberforce ' over the bar, when she was lost to sight 
in a storm of rain. The remaining officers and crews who 
had composed the expedition then sailed in the ' Kite ' for 
England. 

Arrangements were made that a ship-of-war should be off 
the Nun, to afford any assistance to the ' Wilberforce ' 
which she might require. The difficulties of the navigation 
were considerable, and as the ' Wilberforce ' ascended the 
river she grounded several times, and was not got off without 
much labour. The most serious accident happened on the 
12th of July, when she struck on a reef, which penetrated 
into the boatswain's storeroom. It was found necessary to 
send for the ' Amelia,' which had been left at the model 
farm, that some of the stores might be removed to her. 
After several days' labour, the damage was repaired, and 
she proceeded towards the confluence. Sickness, however, 
now began to show itself, Mr. Davey, carpenter, and 
Mr. Johnstone, chief-engineer, were first attacked, and 
Mr. Cameron, the second-engineer, was next taken ill, 

o2 



196 EXPEDITION UP THE NIGER. 

so that Mr. Collins, at last, alone remained to work the 
engines. 

On reaching the model-farm, Lieut. "Webb found that 
about twenty acres had been got into cultivation, and 
twelve mud huts and part of the model-farm-house had been 
erected. The settlers had, however, behaved far from well. 

Mr. Hensman, acting assistant-surgeon, offered to remain 
six months to govern the settlement; but, Lieut. "Webb, 
feeling that little permanent advantage would be derived 
from continuing the model-farm for so short a time longer, 
resolved to remove the people and their property, and to 
abandon it. This was accordingly done. On the way 
down, an attempt was made by a black chief, King Obi, to 
entrap Lieut. "Webb, while visiting the shore. This was 
providentially frustrated by his courage and presence of 
mind. Some blacks had come on board, to lull suspicion, 
at the time, and these being captured, from their confessions 
there remained little doubt that Mr. Carr had been murdered 
on his way up, for the sake of the clothes and other property 
he had with him. On the 17th May, the ' Wilberforce' 
happily crossed the bar of the Nun, and proceeded to Fer- 
nando Po. All the whites were suffering from fever, and 
two fell victims to it — Mr. J. H. Webb, clerk in charge, 
a most enterprising young officer, and Mr. Waddington, 
boatswain, a noble specimen of a British seaman — active, 
daring, and good-natured. The ' Wilberforce,' in conse- 
quence of the injuries she had received, proceeded at once 
to England, and arrived at Plymouth, 17th November. 1842. 

The conduct of Lieut. Webb, whose proceedings had 
been marked with so much energy, courage, and zeal, was 
approved of both by the Admiralty and the Foreign Office, 
and will probably not be overlooked in future service. 

Thus terminated an expedition, which, had not the most 
deadly of climates opposed itself to it, must, from the deter- 
mination and the zeal of all concerned, have been fully suc- 
cessful. 



( 197 ) 



WARFARE ON THE RIVERS LA PLATA AND 
PARANA. 



BATTLE OF THE PARANA, 

November 20th, 1845. 

Ok the eastern shores of South America, and to the south 
of the Brazils, will be found the mouth of the mighty river 
La Plata, with the city of Monte Video on the northern 
shore, and Buenos. Ayres some way up on the southern. 
At the time to which we are about to refer, Juan Manuel 
de Rosas had, in the confusion which was created after 
the Declaration of Independence, by the South American 
states, worked his way up to power in that of La Plata. 
"With a devoted army of gauchos, the wild horsemen of the 
Pampas, he took possession of Buenos Ayres, and afterwards 
assisted the butcher Orribe, in his attempt to make himself 
master of Monte Video, the capital of the Banda Oriental.* 

* The following extract from a letter, written by an officer of the 
squadron, will more clearly explain the state of affairs : — 

" It is somewhat difficult to describe correctly the precise causes of 
the fratricidical war which for so long devastated those liberated 
Spanish Provinces of South America, the Argentine and Oriental 
Republics. It would be even still more difficult to state what were the 
aims of the combatants; for when questioned themselves on the sub- 
ject, each man had a specific cause of complaint, and a specific remedy 
for the evils they wished to cure. The different causes of this wretched 
condition may be resolved into one — the misgovernment of the mother- 
country, which causing them to throw off their allegiance to her, left 
them without a recognized ruler; the bad education, or rather the 
entire want of it, the result of which has been a general moral and 
and political profligacy, discord, and confusion. On looking at the map 
of South America, the magnificent river of Parana will be seen running 
a course of many hundred miles nearly north and south before it falls 



198 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

Now, by an old treaty, the English and French G-overn- . 
ments had guaranteed the integrity of the Banda Oriental, 
and, accordingly, Bosas was ordered by these governments 
to withdraw his troops from the territory. As he did not 
do so, his squadron, assisting at the siege of Monto Yideo, 
was taken from him, and a blockade of the territory over 
which he held sway was proclaimed about the middle of 
1845. 

The province of Corrientes, which had revolted from him, 
and was under the government of General Maderiaga, and 
the independent province of Paraguay, had combined to 
overthrow the power of Bosas. He, in return, to harass 
and annoy them, had closed the outlets of their rivers, so as 
to put an effectual stop to all their foreign commerce. 

An English and Erench squadron were off Monte Video, 
when this state of things having continued for some time, it 

into the river Plate, and has on the east side the provinces of Paraguay, 
Entre Rios, and Banda Oriental ; and on the west and south those of 
Santa Fe and Buenos Ayres, comprised under the general name of La 
Plata. These provinces the Buenosarian President, General Rosas, 
wished to unite in one Confederation with himself, nominally as Presi- 
dent, but doubtlessly as Dictator or Emperor. The party opposing 
him called themselves Unitarios, professing to wish to unite all of them 
into one state ; and for this slight difference of opinion, they for many 
years were employed to the utmost of their power in knocking each 
other on the head. The Buenosarian forces having blockaded Monte 
Yideo, and shut up or captured some French merchantmen, the French 
sent a squadron to take satisfaction, and to open up the commerce of 
the Plate. The English soon followed their example, but Rosas boldly 
set their power at defiance: the combined squadron, however, were 
always successful in their operations, and fought their way with con- 
voys of merchantmen many hundreds of miles up the river Parana. 
In England, when speaking of a river, one thinks of such respectable 
little streams as the Thames or the Rhine, but we must remember that 
everything in America is on a gigantic scale : estates are measured by 
square leagues instead of by acres: herds of cattle and horses are 
counted by thousands; trees are upwards of a hundred feet high; and 
rivers are many miles broad and thousands in length. This will 
enable us to understand the possibility of making a trip of three or 
four hundred miles up a river, such as the Parana. 



BATTLE OF THE PARANA. 199 

was resolved to open up the channel of commerce, by send- 
ing an expedition to force the Parana. 

Bear- Admiral Inglefield was Commander-in-Chief, with 
his flag on board the ' Vernon.' The French squadron was 
commanded by Admiral Laine. The command of the English 
force was given to Captain Charles Hotham, of Her Ma- 
jesty's steam-frigate ' Grorgon,' and he had under him, 
' [Firebrand,' steam-frigate, Captain J. Hope ; ' Philomel,' 
surveying-brig, Commander B. J. Sulivan ; ' Comus,' 18 
guns, Acting- Commander E. A. Inglefield ; ' Dolphin,' brig- 
antine, Lieut. E. Levinge; 'Eanny,' tender, Lieut. A. C. 
Key. 

The Erench force was under Capt. Trehouhart, of the 
' San Martin,' 10 guns, with the steamer, ' Eulton,' 2 guns ; 
' Expeditive/ 16 guns j ' Pandour,' 10 ; and ' Procida,' 4 
guns. 

Strong gales prevented the squadron meeting at the ap- 
pointed rendezvous, off the Ghiassu (one of the mouths of 
the Parana), so soon as was expected, and consequently they 
did not begin to ascend till the 8th of November. On the 
18th the expedition arrived within three miles of the de- 
fences General Rosas had caused to be thrown up on the 
right bank of the Parana at Punta Obligado, to oppose their 
progress. This spot was about 30 miles below the river San 
Mcholas, and 100 from the mouth of the river. 

At daylight the following morning the two Captains re- 
connoitred the position of the enemy, and soon discovered 
that great military skill had been evinced, both in the 
ground chosen and the plan of defence pursued. Eour bat- 
teries had been erected ; two on heights 60 feet from the 
water-line, and two in the intervening valley, the whole 
mounting 22 pieces of ordnance, 32, 28, 24, 18, and 12 
pounders, and, with the exception of a small open space, 
were backed by thick woods ; three heavy chains, supported 
by 24 vessels, were extended across from the mainland to 
the island ; astern of these lay 10 fire-vessels, and the west 
end of the chains was defended by an Argentine schooner- 



200 WARFAEE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

of-war, carrying six guns. The river at this point is 800 
yards wide, and the current runs three miles an hour. 

Captains Hotham and Trehouhart also gained information 
from various sources that 3,500 men (cavalry, infantry, and 
artillery) were collected, so that it was evident that the 
enemy had resolved to make a determined resistance, and 
that there would be an abundance of work to be performed. 

The two Captains, having completed their reconnaissance, 
agreed on their plan of attack. It Was as follows: — The 
ships were to form in two divisions ; the north, under the 
direction of Capt. Trehouhart, to be composed of the ' San 
Martin,' Capt. Trehouhart ; ' Comus,' Acting-commander 
Inglefield ; ' Pandour,' Lieut. Du Paie j ' Dolphin,' Lieut. 
R. Levinge. 

The south division was placed under the command of 
Commander Sulivan, and composed of the ' Philomel/ Com- 
mander Sulivan ; l Expeditive,' Lieut. Miniac ; ' Fanny ' 
(hired armed), Lieut. Key; ' Procida,' Lieut. Maria de la 
Pinzere. These divisions were to anchor on the north and 
south shores at a distance of 700 yards from !S"o. 1 Battery. 

The steamers * Grorgon,' Capt. C. Hotham ; ' Pulton,' 
Lieut. Mazeres ; and ' Firebrand,' Capt. J. Hope, were to 
anchor at a distance of 1,500 yards from the farthest bat- 
tery. The morning of the 20th broke dark and foggy, but 
about 8 a.m. the weather cleared, and a southerly breeze 
sprang up. At a quarter to nine the southern division 
weighed, and with a light breeze stood towards the batteries, 
followed shortly afterwards by the ' San Martin ' and 
1 Comus.' The - Dolphin ' and ' Pandour ' had previously 
anchored on the north shore. Two of the ' Dolphin's ' 
crew, R. Rowe, gunner's mate, and "W. Ross, caulker's mate, 
though severely wounded, refused to leave their quarters till 
the day was won. 

At about ten minutes before ten the batteries commenced 
the action by opening a heavy fire on the ' Philomel ' and 
the southern division, which Commander Sulivan speedily 
returned with interest. On this occasion the gallant Lieut. 



BATTLE OF THE PARANA. 201 

Doyle, of the ' Philomel,' had his arm shot away, and for 
some time his life was despaired of; but, notwithstanding 
the agony of his wound, he still showed his interest in the 
progress of the action. On this the * Dolphin ' weighed, to 
support the ships in action, but as some of her sails were 
shot away before she could reach her appointed station, the 
current drove her astern, and compelled her to anchor; 
Lieut. Levinge, however, contrived to place her in a posi- 
tion where her guns did good execution ; she, however, was 
unavoidably exposed all the time to a tremendous shower of 
shot, shell, grape, and rockets, which came flying over her. 
During it several of her people were woiuided, and Mr. Gr. 
Andrews, clerk in charge, was unhappily killed, while assist- 
ing the surgeon in his duties to the wounded. 

The remaining ships of the north division were gallantly 
led into action by the brave Capt. Trehouhart, - whose brig 
succeeded in reaching her appointed station. A terrific 
cannonade was now taking place, increasing as the ships, one 
after the other, got into action. It had, however, unfortu- 
nately the effect of making the wind fall light, and in con- 
sequence, the ships of the northern division having to contend 
with a current running three miles an hour, were compelled 
to anchor two cables short of the stations assigned to them. 
About this time the Spaniards cast loose the fire-vessels, 
chained two and two together, and as they came drifting 
down rapidly towards the squadron, the steamers kept 
moving about, to tow them clear, should they drift against 
any of the ships. Fortunately they did no harm, but till 
they had drifted past, the steamers could neither anchor nor 
open their fire. At about ten minutes to eleven the action 
became general, and the effect of the admirable gunnery 
practice, both of the English and French crews, was soon 
evident by the unsteadiness with which the enemy continued 
their fire ; no men could, however, have fought more bravely 
than they did. No sooner had the fire from the British 
ships swept one set of men from their guns than they wore 
replaced by others, compelled, if not determined of their 



202 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

own accord, to fight to the last. Their cavalry also hovered 
round the wood, and drove back those who attempted, as 
some did, to quit their guns. The action had continued 
with unmitigated fury on both sides, when, at half-past 12, 
the 'Argentine ' schooner ' Bepublicano,' which guarded the 
chains laid across the river, blew up. On this Capt. J. 
Hope gallantly volunteered to pull up in his boat and cut 
the chain, so as to allow some of the squadron to pass up 
above the batteries. Instantly manning his boat, he pulled 
away to perform this hazardous exploit. He succeeded in 
cutting the chain without any casualty, and a passage being 
thus cleared, the ' Fulton ' passed up the river and flanked 
the batteries. She was speedily followed by the ' Firebrand ' 
and ' G-orgon.' The fire of the batteries had before this 
told most fearfully on the ' San Martin ' and ' Dolphin.' 
The cable, indeed, of the French ship having been shot 
away, she dropped astern, with upwards of 100 shot-holes 
through her sides, and a number of her people killed and 
wounded. The l Expeditive ' and ' Comus ' were now or- 
dered to place themselves within musket-shot of the batte- 
ries, in order to assist the flanking fire of the steamers. 
This they did forthwith in a most dashing way, under a hot 
fire, by which the brave and gallant officer Lieut. C. Brick- 
dale was killed. At length the fire from the batteries began 
to slacken, some of the guns being dismounted, and the 
gunners driven from the others ; and at 4 p.m., an occasional 
shot only being fired, Capt. Hotham made the signal for the 
boats of the squadron, manned and armed, to rendezvous 
alongside the ' Grorgon ' and ' Firebrand,' sending at the 
same time to the French commander, to propose that the 
remaining part of their plan, which was that they should 
land and storm the batteries, should be carried, into imme- 
diate execution. The officer who bore the message found 
Capt. Trehouhart occupied in moving the French squadron 
close in to cover the landing ; trusting, therefore, to the 
covering fire of the French ships, and knowing that Capt. 
Trehouhart would follow with his division of seamen, Capt. 



BATTLE OF THE PARANA. 203 

Hotham landed with 180 blue-jackets and 145 marines, 
when, giving three hearty "British cheers,' they formed 
on the beach preparatory to making a rush up the hill. 
Commander Sulivan, who had under him the skirmishing 
party and light company of seamen, led the way up the hill, 
the rest quickly followed, and, as they reached the crest, 
they were received by a smart fire of musketry ; the enemy 
were, however, quickly driven back before the bayonets of 
the marines, under the command of Capt. F. Hurdle, R.M., 
while, at the same time, the light company of seamen, under 
Lieut. A. C. Key, made a dash at the wood, which it was most 
important to possess, and carrying it in a few minutes, took 
possession of it. Shortly after this the French brigade 
landed, and the enemy taking to flight in all directions, little 
more remained to be done beyond spiking the guns and de- 
stroying the batteries. Captain Hope, after cutting the 
chain across the river, landed with Captain Hotham, and 
acted as his aid-de-camp throughout the day. So also did 
Lieut. J. E. W. Lawrence, of the Marine Artillery, who had 
exerted himself very much in drilling a brigade of seamen 
till they had become most efficient light troops, and capable, 
as Captain Hotham states, of resisting cavalry. 

The [French commander, Trehouhart, behaved in the 
most gallant manner throughout the action, his brig being 
exposed all the time to a very hot fire, by which he lost 
many of his crew. The casualties of the French were, 
17 killed, and 60 wounded. 

The British casualties were as follows : — 

Lieut. C. Erickdale, H.M. sloop ' Comus,' killed ; Mr. 
G-. Andrews, clerk in charge H.M. brigantine ' Dolphin,' 
killed ; Lieut. C. Doyle, ' H.M.S. ' Philomel,' very severely 
wounded — lost arm ; Mr. R. "Warren, second-master of ditto ; 
Mr. J. Gallagher, assistant-surgeon of ditto ; Mr. T. Ellstob, 
assistant-clerk of ditto — all slightly wounded. Lieut. A. C. 
Key, ' Fanny,' tender, slightly wounded ; ' Grorgon,' one 
seaman, one marine, one boy, slightly wounded ; ' Firebrand,' 
one seaman killed, one seaman severely wounded; ' Philomel,' 



204 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

one seaman killed, two seamen, one boy very severely wounded, 
and two seamen slightly wounded ; ' Comus,' one "boy killed, 
two seamen slightly wounded ; ' Dolphin,' three seamen and 
one boy killed, six seamen severely wounded, two seamen 
slightly wounded. Total, 9 killed, 24 wounded. 

"When we consider the small size of the vessels employed, 
and the light weight of their metal brought up to oppose 
immensely strong stone batteries, with heavy guns posted 
on the summit of perpendicular cliffs, this action may take 
rank as one of the most gallant on record. 

In consequence of it, Captain C. Hotham was made a 
Commander of the Order of the Bath. Commander B. J. 
Sulivan was posted, and Lieuts. Inglefield, Levinge, Doyle, 
and Key, were made commanders ; B-. Howe, gunner's mate, 
was made a gunner ; and "W. Ross, caulker's mate, was 
made a warrant officer; both of whom, though severely 
wounded, had refused to quit their quarters till the battle 
was over. 

Two ships-of war being left to prevent the enemy offering 
any obstruction to the navigation of the Parana, the squadron 
proceeded to convoy a fleet of merchantmen up the river. 



DESTRUCTION OF THE ' CHACABUCO.' 

Information having been conveyed to the two captains, 
that a war-schooner, the ' Chacabuco,' and two gun-boats, 
belonging to General Rosas, were at anchor in the Arroyo del 
Paebon, Captain Hotham directed the ' Pirebrand,' in com- 
pany with the Prench vessel the ' Pulton,' to go in search 
of them, and to destroy them. 

Accordingly, on the 24th November, the ' Pirebrand,' 
taking the ' Pulton ' in tow, proceeded on that service. On 
arriving at the mouth of the Paebon, Captain Hope dis- 
covered that there was not water sufficient to enable his ship 



DESTRUCTION OF THE ' CHACABUCO.' 205 

to get up it. Taking, therefore, three boats and fifty men, he 
started in pursuit of the schooner, which he found had gone 
up the river. On his way up he learned, from an intelligent 
native, that the whole force of the enemy collected to pro- 
tect the schooner, amounted to no less than 250 men, and 
that below where she lay, a strong iron chain was drawn 
across the river ; so that he could not hope to take her by 
surprise. This was very vexatious, but as he would have 
risked the destruction of all his people, without anything 
like an adequate benefit to be gained, he very wisely returned. 

At his request, however, Captain Hotham again despatched 
him by another channel to intercept the schooner, should 
she venture to attempt escaping by it. 

This she did before long, and the ' Firebrand ' would 
soon have caught her, had not the windings of the river 
enabled the people on her decks to descry the approach of 
the English vessel, at a considerable distance. The Spaniards 
soon saw that if they kept to the main stream the ' Fire- 
brand ' would overtake them, they accordingly commenced 
hauling the ' Chacabuco ' up a narrow and shallow creek, 
by means of warps, manual labour, and horses. Captain 
Hope still pursued her as long as there was water to float 
the ' Firebrand ;' but after a chace of sixty miles, she 
grounded. Captain Hope had now driven the schooner into 
a net, and was about to send his boats away to bring her 
out, when the enemy, convinced that they had no prospect 
of saving her, set fire to her, and blew her up. After this 
little affair, the squadron re-assembled at Punta de las 
Pedras. During the night of the 2nd, the enemy brought 
down four field-pieces, and opened a fire on them, but 
without doing any injury. On the 3rd, the squadron, on 
their passage up the Parana, passed the strong point of the 
Eosario, where they expected to meet with much opposition; 
but, instead of troops, a number of country people, women 
and children, were collected on the beach, to see the ships 
pass, and not an armed man was visible. Eosas, not yet 
knowing exactly what stuff British seamen are made of, 



206 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

contemplated the possibility, perhaps, of catching them all 
in his net, and of preventing them ever returning. Or, it 
is possible, that the lesson he had just received at Obligado 
made him unwilling again to interfere with them. How- 
ever, as we shall see, he did attempt to stop them on their 
way down, whether or not he then thought of so doing. 
As the convoy proceeded up the river, the enemy took every 
opportunity of annoying them with their flying artillery, 
and as they possessed an unlimited supply of horses, this 
they were able to do whenever the channel of the river 
approached the shores of the Argentine Republic. 

The most formidable position, however, on the whole 
river, was the cliffs, or barrancas, as they are called, of San 
Lorenzo. They run for several miles along the banks of the 
river, and are nearly perpendicular, with a perfectly level 
surface on their summit, along which artillery can travel 
without any impediment whatever. It is thus evident that 
flying artillery could be run to the edge of the cliff, and, 
after firing at the passing vessels, could again retire, without 
a chance of a shot in return, from the ships' guns. 

To add to the difficulties of the passage, a strong current 
is always running down, so that sailing-vessels require a 
fresh breeze, and steamers have to put on all their power 
to go ahead. 



ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE BATTERIES OF SAN LORENZO. 

Aptee the squadron and convoy had passed up, which they 
did without the loss of a single vessel or man, Rosas set to 
work to fortify the cliffs of San Lorenzo. This he did ' in 
the most effectual way in his power, by throwing up large 
works of earth, and in collecting guns from every direction, 
and also in training his men to the use of them. He had 
plenty of time to effect these objects, as the squadron was 



ENGAGEMENTS WITH BATTERIES OF SAN LORENZO. 207 

detained some time at Corrientes, while the merchantmen 
were disposing of their cargoes, and collecting fresh ones to 
to take back in return. May 1846, indeed, had arrived, 
before the different vessels of the convoy had settled all 
their affairs, and, to the number of 110, were ready to 
descend the river. 

In the mean time a constant communication had been kept 
up with the Admiral at Monte Video by the men-of-war, which 
had on each occasion to run the gauntlet of the batteries, and, 
in some instances, with severe loss : their commanders at the 
same time affording a noble display of gallantry in obeying 
the orders they had received. Commander Sulivan, among 
others, made himself very conspicuous by the accurate know- 
ledge he possessed of the river, which enabled him to pilot 
the ships up without risk. 

The ■' Philomel ' having been despatched from Corrientes 
to Monte Yideo, as she approached the batteries of •San 
Lorenzo, Commander Sulivan made preparations to pass 
them. Knowing that he could pass under the cliffs, he 
judged it best to hug them as closely as possible, lest any 
guns should already be mounted. Having made a barricade 
of hammocks and bags for the helmsman, he sent all hands 
below to be out of harm's way ; he himself only and his first- 
lieutenant remaining on deck to con the brig. Slowly and 
silently the little vessel drew near the point of danger. A 
light and favourable air filled her sails, and almost grazing 
the perpendicular cliff, she glided slowly by. When the brig 
was close under the first battery, the enemy opened their 
fire at her, but so near was she to the cliffs, that they could 
not sufficiently depress their guns to touch her decks : their 
lowest shot going through the boom mainsail, four or five 
feet above the hammock-netting. They continued their in- 
effectual fire till the gallant little ' Philomel ' was quite clear 
and out of range. 

H.M. steamer * Lizard,' H. M. Tylden, lieutenant, com- 
manding, which was sent up the Parana on the 21st of April, 
was not so fortunate in escaping without damage. "When 



208 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

about six miles from San Lorenzo, Lieut. Tylden observed 
that large batteries bad been erected on a commanding point, 
and tbat tbe adjacent coast was lined with artillery and field- 
pieces. As the ' Lizard ' approached the batteries, Lieut. 
Tylden ordered three ensigns to be hoisted, as a signal to the 
enemy that he intended to fight as long as his ship floated. 
At half-past eleven a.m., the northern batteries opened a 
heavy fire, and, on approaching nearer, the other batteries and 
artillery commenced a quick and well-directed fire also, which 
was returned by the ' Lizard ' with rockets and her forecastle 
gun, until the rocket-stand was shot away, and the gun 
could no longer be elevated sufficiently to bear on the enemy. 
"When the gallant commander found that the heavy shot, 
grape, and musketry were riddling his vessel from stem to 
stern, he ordered the officers and men to go below, with the 
exception of those absolutely required on deck, in the hopes 
that they might thus escape injury. Scarcely, however, had 
they gone below, when two shot entered the gun-room, one 
of which killed Mr. Earnes, clerk in charge, and the other 
Mr. "Webb, master's assistant. Two seamen also were killed, 
and Mr. Miller, assistant-surgeon, and three men were 
wounded. As the wind and current were against her, and 
there was a great deal of water in the hold, she made but 
slow progress, and it was not till 25 minutes past one p.m. 
that she got out of fire. She received 7 shot between wind 
and water, besides 9 cannon, 14 grape, and 41 musket balls, 
in the hull and bulwarks, and 7 cannon and grape in the 
funnel and steam-pipe ; while her boats, mainmast, and rig- 
ging were shot through and through by cannon. 

H.M. steamer ' Harpy,' E. H. E. Proctor, lieutenant, com- 
manding, went up the river under similar circumstances on 
the 11th May. As she passed the forts of San Lorenzo, a 
galling fire of musketry, field-pieces, and other guns was 
opened on her within sixty yards. The fire was kept up on 
her for upwards of an hour ; and as she passed slowly up the 
stream, she was followed by field-pieces and a large body of 
troops, who, remaining concealed, lined the banks, keeping 



ENGAGEMENTS WITH BATTERIES OF SAN LORENZO. 209 

up a constant fire of musketry. About ten minutes before 
she got clear of gun-shot range, her gallant commander was 
hit in the fleshy part of the right arm by a round shot. He 
immediately fell, and was carried below, when Mr. Bruce, 
mate, took charge of the ship ; while Mr. "Ward, second 
master, in the most cool and steady way, notwithstanding 
the tremendous fire to which she was exposed, attended to 
her steering. No other person on board the ' Harpy' was hit ; 
but she was greatly cut up about the rigging, and received 
many musket balls and grape in her hull, funnel, topsails, 
and boats. 

H. M. steam-sloop ' Alecto,' Commander I\ W. Austen, 
had previously early in April gone up, towing three heavily- 
laden schooners against a current of three knots and 
a head wind. On approaching a place called Tonelero, a 
number of workmen were seen throwing up batteries, clearly 
for the purpose of annoying the convoy on their way down. 
Opening Jier fire on them, she soon put them to flight. 
She came up to the batteries on the morning of the 6th, 
with a strong wind and current against her, and the heavy 
schooners in tow. She had been accompanied all the way by 
a squadron of cavalry, who kept pace with her in an easy 
walk, halting every now and then. At two her crew went 
to quarters ; and at forty minutes past two, having before 
fired a few shot, her three guns and rockets were got into 
full play. This was answered by the lower guns on the bat- 
teries with round shot, until she reached the narrowest part; 
when the enemy opened with round shot and grape together. 
Their guns were raking her at this time from head to stern, 
in such a way that none of her guns could be brought to 
bear in return. In this state she remained for twenty 
minutes, scarcely going a-head, and receiving the fire of 
seven eighteen-pounders, several of which were pointed down 
on her decks. During this time she fired away in return at 
the enemy, who appeared abreast of her, every round of grape 
and canister on board, and was then reduced to round shot. 
For a few minutes also she exchanged with them a sharp fire 

p 



210 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

of musketry. She then went gradually a-head, and as the 
river widened, and the current decreased in strength, she drew 
out of shot, having been an hour and fifteen minutes under 
fire. Captain Austen, her commander, was the only person 
hurt, a spent grape-shot having struck him a severe blow on 
the thigh. Commander Mackinnon, then a lieutenant, who 
has written a most amusing account of the affair, says, " that 
in going into action the men appeared to take it as a matter 
of course ; but as the plot thickened, and they warmed at 
the work, they tossed the long guns about like playthings, 
and indeed managed them in an admirable manner." This 
he attributes to the system taught on board the ' Excellent.' 
The crews of the Monte Vidian schooners were in a dreadful 
fright all the time, expecting to be sent to the bottom. On 
sounding the well on board the 'Alecto,' a considerable 
quantity of water was found in the hold. "When search 
was made, a shot-hole was discovered forward between 
wind and water. This was speedily plugged. Just as she 
came in sight of the convoy, after her long and tedious 
voyage, she got on shore, and remained for some days before 
she was again floated off. 



GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON WITH HIS ROCKET 
BATTERY AGAINST THE FORTS OF SAN LORENZO. 

Santa Ee is situated on the east bank of the river. It is a 
place of some size, built partly at the foot, and partly on the 
side of a lofty hill, surrounded by cor rales, where thousands 
of cattle are slaughtered, their hides and the tallow being 
shipped from the port, while vast flocks of vultures, carrion- 
crows, and other birds of prey, hover over them to consume the 
refuse beef which there are not human mouths sufficient to 
eat. As may be supposed, it is far from an agreeable place. 
The greater part of the English and Erench men-of-war 
were lying at Baxadar de Santa Ee, which was the ap- 



GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON. 211 

pointed rendezvous of the merchantmen. Here the greater 
number having effected their object, collected towards the 
middle of May. The difficulty was now to get the convoy 
safely back past the batteries of San Lorenzo. Sir Charles 
Hotham had gone up to settle some diplomatic affairs with 
the Government of Corrientes, and on the 16th of May he 
returned in the ' Alecto.' 

A plan had occurred to Lieut. Mackinnon of that ship by 
which the passage of the convoy might be facilitated ; and 
having proposed it to Sir Charles Hotham, he, after a short 
consideration of its possibility, expressed his willingness to 
have it carried out, provided the ground was found as suit- 
able as supposed. 

Lieut. ^Tackinnon stated, " That opposite to the heavy 
part of the batteries of San Lorenzo he had observed an 
island covered with long reeds, grass, and small trees, but 
completely commanded by the guns of the battery. He pro- 
posed, the night before the convoy was to fight their way 
down, to take on shore a certain number of Congreve rockets, 
to land them at the back of the island, and to place them all 
ready in the course for being erected immediately. This, if 
properly prepared, could be effected in a few minutes ; then 
to dig by the side of each rocket a hole, large enough to 
contain the men working them, and to throw the earth up 
as a kind of barricade before it. At the signal given by the 
Commander-in-Chief, when all the enemy's batteries were 
fully manned, waiting for the convoy, to commence a tre- 
mendous fire, which, being totally unexpected on their part, 
would be proportionably effective and destructive. The 
chances were that they would return this fire, which the 
prepared holes would render harmless ; and if the rocket- 
stands or tubes were hit — a very difficult object — poles and 
instruments would be at hand to repair them immediately. 
Besides, when the vessels were passing, the chances were that, 
from the heights of the cliffs, the rockets would strike the 
enemy over the mast-heads of the ships, thus causing a 
double-banked fire of great force." 

p2 



212 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

Sir Charles Hotliam, having consulted Captain Hope and 
Captain Trehouhart, who highly approved of the plan, pro- 
vided the ground when reconnoitred was found as suitable 
as expected. The execution of it was intrusted to Lieut. 
Mackinnon, of the ' Alecto,' with Lieut. Barnard, of the ' Fire- 
brand,' as his second. For several days the preparations 
were going on ; and on the 25th of May, all being ready, the 
convoy and men-of-war, with the exception of the British 
steamer, dropped down the river, and anchored about five 
miles above the batteries of San Lorenzo. 

At length, on the night of the 1st of June, Sir Charles 
Hotham and the French Captain, with some other officers, 
reconnoitred the locality. Besides the island we have spoken 
of, there were several others of nearly the same size, and at 
the same distance from the western shore : to the eastward 
of them again was an immense archipelago of low swampy 
islands, covered with brushwood, extending in that direction 
six or eight miles between them and the main shore of Entre 
Bios. There was just sufficient light for the reconnoitring 
party to see their way as they steered through the intricate 
passages to the east of the large islands. "With muffled oars 
and in dead silence they pulled on till they reached the 
island they wished to examine, and as they shoved the boat's 
bow into the mud, a loud rustling was heard in the brush- 
wood, and a wild beast of some sort, which they took for a 
tiger, rushed towards them. They dared not fire, of course, 
and without allowing a moment's hesitation to interfere with 
the service they were upon, proceeded to land according to 
seniority. As the first officers leaped on shore, sword in 
hand, the supposed tiger, with a loud snort, jumped into the 
river, proving to be a harmless carpincho, or water-hog, 
peculiar to the large rivers of South America. 

They now advanced cautiously, among the reeds and brush- 
wood, across the island, w r hen to their great satisfaction they 
found that the river itself had performed the very work re- 
quired, by throwing up, when swelled by the rains, an em- 
bankment many feet high along the entire length of the 



GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON. 213 

island, so as completely to screen them from the enemy's 
batteries — a work, indeed, which many hundred men conld 
not so well have executed in a week : behind this the land 
rising, there was consequently a large natural trench ; here 
the rockets might be placed in comparative safety ; the only 
difficulty would be to get the men into the trench, and to 
retire safely after the ammunition was expended, and to avoid 
any suspicion on the enemy's part of the proximity of such a 
foe. They then returned to the ship, and completed the 
necessary preparations. The next night the rocket-party, in 
the < Alecto's' paddle-box boat, took their departure under 
the command of Lieut. Mackinnon. He was accompanied by 
his second in command, Lieut. Barnard, of the Marine 
Artillery, by Mr. Hamm, the boatswain of the • Alecto,' and 
Mr. Baker, the pilot, with 12 artillerymen and 11 seamen. 
Silent as the grave, they pulled behind the islands, and with- 
out accident reached the appointed spot. They first set to 
work to get the rocket-stands and rockets up to the embank- 
ment ; and very fatiguing work it was to the men, for they 
had to carry them through a swamp, into which they sank up 
to their knees, and then a considerable distance over rough 
and uneven ground, among thick reeds and brushwood. A 
glass of grog, with some pork and biscuits, set them to 
rights again; and without delay they planted the rocket- 
stands, pointing them, so that the rockets might just clear the 
top of the batteries. Fortunately, a few yards beyond the 
little bay, where the boat had been lying all night, a large 
willow-tree had fallen into the river, the exact length of the 
boat, and beyond that was a point of land running out like- 
wise; between these the boat was swung. Branches of 
willow were stuck in all round and inside the boat, which 
most effectually concealed her ; so much so, that when Lieut. 
Baker arrived the next night at the spot, he was observed 
standing up in the stern-sheets of the gig, looking wistfully 
towards the sandy beach, and seeing nothing of the boat, 
though the starboard bow-oar of the gig splashed the water 
in Lieut. Mackinnon's face. The latter officer whistled ; upon 






214 WAKFAEE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

which Lieut. Baker pulled in and began conversing. All this 
time Lieut. Mackinnon was standing with one leg on the 
gunnel of the boat and the other on land, the boat's gunnel 
being flush with it ; it had, therefore, something the appear- 
ance of standing sidewise half into a tree, and so completely 
deceived Lieut. Baker, that he exclaimed, "But where on earth 
have you put the boat to ?" The low laugh from the men who 
were hid under a tarpaulin revealed where she was. When 
they were moving about in daylight they were obliged to 
crouch down like a herd of kangaroos, creeping behind the 
bushes and among the long grass, so as not to be seen by the 
enemy, to whom the whole island was then exposed to view. 
Had the Spaniards found out that they were there, of course 
they would have sent boats across to attack them, and would 
have fired on them from the forts ; and though no doubt the 
blue-jackets would have made a good fight of it with their 
rockets, the plan for preserving the fleet must have failed 
entirely. The first day all hands were roused from their sleep 
in the boat, and mustered at 2 p.m. ; their arms being examined, 
they were ordered to remain at the boat in readiness for any 
emergency, while the oflicers and two artillerymen relieved 
the look-out at the battery. Twenty-eight embrasures, with 
heavy guns in them, were counted in the enemy's forts ; and 
so close were the party, that, with pocket-telescopes, they 
could clearly distinguish the faces of the people, and observed 
General Moncellia, the brother-in-law of Rosas, drive up in 
his carriage with four horses, and, dismounting, inspect the 
troops and guns. Little did he suspect the foe he had near 
him. Having remained some time, the oflicers crawled back 
to the boats to take some rest ; but they were far too anxious 
to sleep long ; and the next night was passed, as before, in 
paying constant visits to the rocket-battery. Once they 
were nearly discovered, from one of the men incautiously 
exposing himself. As Lieut. Mackinnon was watching the 
battery, he observed the sentry suddenly stop and eye the 
spot narrowly. "Hold fast," he whispered to the man; 
"Don't move, as you value your life." The man obeyed, 



GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON. 215 

and to the Lieutenant's infinite relief, he at last saw the 
sentry move on. Daybreak of the 4th came at length ; the 
wind blew fair down the stream, and every one was on the 
tiptoe of expectation, listening for the signal of the two 
guns, the preconcerted signal of the fleet being about to sail. 
It was a time of the greatest anxiety, for any moment, if 
discovered, the 28 pieces of ordnance might have commenced 
playing on them, and blown them all to atoms ; but fortu- 
nately the eyes of the enemy were turned up the stream, 
towards the point from whence the fleet was expected to 
appear. Slowly the hours seemed to pass, till at length, at 
9 a.m. the welcome sound of the two guns came booming 
along the water, and immediately the men proceeded from 
the boat to the rocket-stands, creeping along like a band of 
North American Indians on a war expedition to surprise a 
sleeping foe. A long pole, with the British flag made fast 
to it, had been prepared, on the elevation of which the first 
discharge of rockets was to take place. The squadron of men- 
of-war and merchantmen now approached, the ' Oorgon,' 
' Fulton,' and ' Alecto ' leading. Majestically they glided 
on till they came within range of the batteries, at which 
they commenced firing their shells with admirable precision. 
The long and anxious moment at length arrived for the dis- 
charge of the rockets. Lieut. Mackinnon waved his cap 
aloft ; at this signal Lieut. Bernard planted the British flag 
under the nose of the enemy, and, taking off his cap, made 
them a low bow ; up went a flight of rockets ; two of them 
flew into the very centre of the most crowded part of the 
batteries, completely clearing them of their defenders, two 
went over their heads, and two stuck in the cliffs beneath 
them. The elevation of the four stands, which were wrongly 
pointed, being rectified, they were once more charged, and 
as soon as the enemy had returned to their guns, and were 
looking along the sights to take aim at the steamers, Lieut, 
Mackinnon, jumping up on the embankment, thoughtless of 
how he was exposing himself, sung out, " Pepper, lads ! 
pepper, lads ! pepper, pepper, pepper!" and pepper away the 



216 WARFARE ON THE RIVER PARANA. 

men did with a vengeance. The crash was tremendous ; the 
enemy with dismay deserted their guns, and terrific must 
have been the slaughter among them, for in one minute 40 
rockets, admirably directed, were poured in among them ; to 
add to their confusion, a rocket had penetrated an ammuni- 
tion-cart, which, blowing up with a prodigious sound, filled 
the air with smoke. At the same time, the dry grass about 
the seamen catching fire, they were surrounded by so dense 
an atmosphere that it was impossible for some moments to 
see what was goiug forward ; the wind, however, soon blow- 
ing aside the murky veil, the fleet of merchantmen were seen 
passing quickly down, while the steamers took up their posi- 
tion directly under the batteries, On this up went another 
shower of rockets, which continued without cessation, filling 
the air with long delicate threads of smoke, under which the 
vessels passed in safety, the effect being most beautiful. 
These events occupied some time, and as soon as the stern- 
most ships of the squadron were well out of range of shot, 
the ' Gorgon' hoisted the signal for their return. The 
enemy's guns, as soon as they had no floating opponents di- 
rectly in front, directed their fire at the island, and misled 
by the flagstaff, peppered away at that, to the great delight 
of the rocket-party, who were safe behind the bank ; how- 
ever, the enemy discovered their mistake, and turned their 
guns in the proper direction of the rocket-battery. The 
shot was harmless, as it either stuck in the bank or passed 
over the men's heads like cricket-balls. Now and then a 
single rocket was sent into some of the enemy's embrasures, 
which accelerated a return of shot. "When the little ■ Dol- 
phin ' came down, leading the convoy, at the order, " Cover 
the ' Dolphin,' " another volley and running fire burst forth, 
accompanied with loud cheers for the gallant little vessel, 
which passed down with slight damage. Preparations were 
made for decamping, and, as a last salute, the flag-staff was 
waved in the face of the enemy, which appeared to annoy 
them much, as a heavy fire was drawn towards the retreating 
party ; but as they spread out wide apart, the shot passed 



GALLANT EXPLOIT OF LIEUT. MACKINNON. 217 

through without touching a single man or article belonging 
to them. The boat was soon reached, the willows cast off, 
and all hands got on board, when, "Out oars!" was the 
word, and away they pulled down the stream to join the 
fleet. 

So effectual had been the fire of the rockets that not a 
man in the squadron was hurt by the enemy ; three of the 
merchantmen, by keeping too much over to the east, got on 
shore on the end of the large island to the south of the one 
where the rockets had been fired. Two of them were got off, 
the other was burnt, and the fleet, with flying colours, pro- 
ceeded on their voyage down to Colombo and Monte Yideo. 
After these events the British and Trench squadron relieved 
Monte Video from an attack made on it by some of the 
allies of Eosas, and for some time their marines and seamen 
occupied it, and assisted in placing it in a better position of 
defence. 

Since then Eosas has been compelled to fly the country ; 
but though the commerce of those magnificent regions has 
increased and extended in consequence of the operations we 
have described, peace and tranquillity are still very far from 
being established in the country. 



( 218 ) 



EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE, 

UNDER CAPTAIN JAMES ROSS AND CAPTAIN CROZIER, 

Between the Years 1839 and 1843. 

It had long been considered very desirable by scientific men 
that, for the advancement of science, especially with regard 
to magnetic phenomena, and also for that of geographical 
knowledge, that an expedition under experienced officers 
should be sent to visit the southern regions of the globe. 
"With these and other objects in view, the Admiralty com- 
missioned the ' Erebus ' and ' Terror ' in the year 1839, and 
gave the command of the first to Captain James Eoss, and 
of the latter to Commander Erancis Eawdon Crozier as 
second in command of the expedition. The ships were 
equipped on the most liberal scale, with every arrangement 
for the health and comfort of the officers and crews which 
science and experience could suggest. The ' Erebus ' was a 
bomb of 370 tons, of strong build and capacious hold. The 
1 Terror ' was of 340 tons, and had been strengthened for 
the Arctic seas on the detention of so many British whale- 
ships in Baffin's Bay in 1836, and had been employed in 
the subsequent summer under Sir George Back on his 
attempt to reach Repulse Bay. Erom the numerous ap- 
plicants from the gallant and brave officers in the Navy, the 
following were selected for the interesting, though arduous, 
service contemplated: — 



Captain James Clark Eoss, Lieut. Edward Joseph Bird, 
Lieut. John Sibbald, Lieut. James E. L. "Wood, Master 
Charles T. Tucker, Surgeon Eobert M'Cormick, Purser 



RESULT OF FIRST YEAR'S VOYAGE. 219 

Thomas E. HaJlet, Mates Alexander J. Smith, Henry Oakley, 
and Joseph Dayman, Assistant-surgeon Joseph D. Hooker, 
Second Master Henry B. Yule. 



Commander Francis E. M. Crozier, Lieut. Archibald 
M'Murdo, Lieut. Charles Gr. Phillips, Lieut. Joseph W. Kay, 
Master Pownall P. Cotter (acting), Surgeon John Eobert- 
son ; Clerk in charge, George H. Mowbray ; Mates Peter 
A. Scott, Thomas E. L. Moore, and "William Molloy, 
Assistant-surgeon David Lyall, Second Master John E. Davis. 

The complement of each ship amounted in all to 54 persons. 

"With crews in high health and spirits, the two ships sailed 
from the Thames on the 29th September 1839 ; and having 
encountered a heavy gale in the Channel, when they behaved 
very well, they touched at Madeira and other places, and 
reached St. Helena the last day of January 1840. The 
voyage was undertaken for certain scientific objects, and 
these, by the talent and perseverance of the officers, were 
fully attained ; but in our account we shall dwell chiefly on 
the difficulties and dangers encountered and overcome in the 
attainment of those objects. 

Having established a permanent magnetic observatory at 
St. Helena, and landed the officers and instruments con- 
nected with it, the expedition sailed on the 9th of Eebruary 
for the Cape of G-ood Hope, which was reached on the 
17th of March, various magnetic observations and experi- 
ments on the temperature and gravity of the sea being made 
by the way. After establishing a magnetic observatory at 
the Cape, they sailed again from Simon's Bay on the 6th of 
April, encountering a succession of violent squalls and 
thunder-storms, during which the two ships lost sight of 
each other. They met again at Kerguelen Island, which, 
when discovered in 1772 by M. Kerguelen, a lieuteuant of 
the Erench navy, was conjectured to form part of the great 
southern continent, which the philosophers of that time con- 



220 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

sidered must exist to maintain the balance of our earth, till 
Captain Fourneaux dispelled the illusion by crossing the 
meridian of the island, 50 miles to the southward. The ex- 
pedition entered Christmas Harbour at the north of the 
island on the 15th of May, and, having sedulously continued 
the system of magnetic ob serrations, particularly on the 
29th, the day previously fixed for simultaneous observations 
in various parts of the world, sailed again on the 20th of 
July, having the whole of the time experienced a gale of 
wind, with storms of rain and snow. The tempestuous 
weather allowed but a scanty survey of the island, in which 
extensive beds of coal were discovered, which may at some 
future time be found serviceable for steam navigation. After 
meeting with continued gales and hurricanes, the expedition 
reached Yan Diemen's Land on the 26th of August, and, 
with the co-operation of Sir J. Franklin, then governor, 
established the magnetic observatory at Hobart Town.* 

Captain Ross, becoming here acquainted with the result 
of the French expedition to the southern seas under Captain 
D'Urville, and of that of the United States under Lieut. C. 
"Wilkes, determined to alter his route from that previously 
agreed on, according to the discretionary power left him, 
and, avoiding the track of former navigators, to take a more 
easterly meridian on which to penetrate to the southward, 
and, if possible, to reach the magnetic pole. 

FIRST YEAR. 

The expedition sailed from Hobart Town on the 12th of 
November 1840, and proceeded to the Auckland Islands, 
where a series of magnetic observations was made on the 
Term-day, November 28th • and, having surveyed the island, 

* At a subsequent period this observatory was for seven years under 
the charge of Lieut. Alexander J. Smith, who, as mate, and afterwards 
lieutenant of the ' Erebus/ was noted throughout the expedition for 
his zeal, activity, and scientific knowledge, and has seen a long course 
of active service, including an expedition to the Arctic Seas. 



RESULT OF FIRST YEAR'S VOYAGE. 221 

they continued their course to Campbell Island. Prom 
thence Captain Ross proposed to steer due south ; and leaving 
the island on the 17th of December, the first icebergs were 
seen on the 27th in lat. 60° 20' S. Differing from those of 
the Arctic Seas, they were of unform shape, large and solid, 
with tabular summits and perpendicular cliffs, against which 
the waves dashed with great violence ; and a heavy swell 
prevailing during the night amongst the loose pieces of ice 
with which they were interspersed, rendered the situation of 
the ships one of great anxiety. 

On the 31st a strong ice-blink in the sky indicated the 
proximity of the pack, the edge of which they reached, cross- 
ing the Antarctic circle on New-year's Day, 1841. 

This pack, which they met with in a lower latitude than 
they expected, was a belt of loose ice and bergs 200 miles in 
width, hitherto considered impenetrable, and which certainly 
presented a most formidable obstacle to any further progress 
in that direction. A strong breeze and high sea prevented 
the attempt being made till the 5th, when, selecting the 
most favourable point, the ' Erebus ' forced her way through 
the dense edge of the pack, closely followed by the ' Terror,' 
into some small holes of water connected by narrow lanes. 
The masses of ice amongst which they now pursued their 
course were of a less formidable character than they had 
been led to expect, and they continued to advance slowly, 
sustaining violent shocks, which would have proved destruc- 
tive to ships less prepared to withstand them, and at times 
forced to heave-to till the ice should open before them. 
Thick fogs and constant snow-showers frequently impeded 
their course, though whenever the weather cleared, they 
were encouraged by seeing a strong water-sky to the south- 
east, and, favoured by a strong northerly breeze, they found 
themselves again in clear water, having accomplished the 
passage through the pack without any injury. They now 
steered as due south as the wind admitted for the magnetic 
pole, supposed to be situated about 76° south latitude. As 
the ships advanced, however, a strong "land blink" was 



222 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

perceived on the horizon ; and at daybreak on the 11th, 
lat. 70° 47' S., and long. 172 3 36' E., land was seen directly 
ahead, apparently of great height, and mnst have been a 
hundred miles distant when first seen. It rose in lofty 
peaks, covered with snow, mountainous ranges extending to 
the right and left as far as the eye could reach. The highest 
of these peaks was named Mount Sabine, and measured 
nearly 10,000 feet, and was supposed to be 30 miles from 
the coast. Towards evening they neared the coast, which 
was lined with a heavy pack ; but a strong wind on the shore, 
and a high sea beating heavily on the pack-edge, rendered 
landing impracticable. Standing, therefore, to the south-east, 
so as to get to leeward of a projecting point, several small 
islands were discovered, under shelter of which it was hoped 
to effect a landing. It was a beautifully clear evening, and 
they here had a good view of two magnificent ranges of 
mountains, whose lofty peaks, rising to the height of 7,000 
or 8,000 feet above the sea, were perfectly covered with 
eternal snow. The glaciers from the intervening valleys 
projected several miles into the sea, terminating in lofty per- 
pendicular cliffs, and the dark rocks, which in some places 
broke through the icy covering, indicated the volcanic origin 
of the land. The range of mountains extending to the 
north-west was called by Captain Boss Admiralty Bange, 
the most conspicuous points being distinguished by the 
names of the various Lords Commissioners. The weather 
calming the next morning, they succeeded in approaching 
the islands, when Captain Eoss and Captain Crozier, with 
some of their officers, landed on one, though with difficulty, 
on account of the projecting ice and heavy surf, and took 
possession of the newly-discovered land in the name of Queen 
Victoria, naming it Possession Island. This land, the most 
southern yet discovered, though nearly reached by the 
Russian Eellinghausen, 20 years before, presented an in- 
superable obstacle to their attaining the magnetic pole in 
that direction : it was, therefore, determined to follow the 
south-coast line, and thence take a more westerly course. 



EESULT OF FIRST YEAR'S VOYAGE. 223 

They made but little progress, owing to the baffling winds, 
thick fogs, and snow-storms ; and on the 15th were in sight 
of the magnificent chain of mountains stretching away to the 
south, whose sharply-pointed snowy summits, varying from 
12,000 to 14 ; 000 feet in height, were named after the most 
eminent members of the Royal Society and British Associa- 
tion. This day Captain Eoss suddenly perceived an island, 
which had not been in view a short time before, above 
100 feet high, the whole of one side perfectly free from 
snow. Calling the attention of some of his officers to it, 
one of them remarked that a large berg, before observed, 
had disappeared, or rather turned over unperceived by them, 
and thus presented a new surface, covered with earth and 
stones, exactly resembling an island. 

On the 19th, a favourable breeze springing up, all sail was 
crowded on the ships, and they made some way to the south, 
passing between the mainland and an island, which was 
named Coulman Island. Though again baffled by head- 
winds, adverse currents, and masses of ice, on the 27th they 
reached an island in lat. 76° 8' S., long. 168° 12' E., on 
which Captain Eoss and some officers landed, though with 
such danger that he forbade any more attempting to leave 
the boat, and taking formal possession of it, named it 
Eranklin Island, in compliment to Sir J. Franklin. This 
island, like the former, is composed of igneous rocks, with 
ice-cliffs to the south and west. Standing to the south, the 
ships came in sight of some high land, which proved to be a 
volcano, 12,400 feet high, in full activity, which received the 
name of Mount Erebus ; an extinct volcano to the east being 
named Mount Terror. They were now in lat. 76° 6' S., 
long. 168° 11' E., without any appearance of being able to 
approach the magnetic pole on account of the land ice. On 
nearing the land, a low white line was perceived, extending 
from its eastern point as far as the eye could discern to the 
eastward, which proved to be a perpendicular cliff, 150 to 
200 feet above the level of the sea, with an even face to the 
sea perfectly flat and level at the top, beyond which the 



224 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

summits of a range of mountains only could be discerned, 
extending to 79° S. lat. Any further advance in that direc- 
tion being checked by this barrier, Captain Ross altered his 
course to the east, hoping it might lead further southward. 
The whole coast from the extreme western point presented 
a similar vertical cliff, 200 or 300 feet high : not the smallest 
fissure could be discovered, and the intensely-bright sky 
beyond indicated the great extent it reached to the south. 
Having explored this barrier for 300 miles, though heavy 
snow-storms frequently hid it from their sight, on the 9th 
they reached lat. 78°. A heavy pack of ice now prevented 
their further progress, and the narrow lane of comparatively 
clear water through which they had hitherto found their 
way was now completely covered with rapidly-forming ice, 
indicating the approach of winter, and threatening to hem 
them in between the pack and the barrier. Retracing their 
course, by means of a strong breeze, the ships forced their 
way through the young ice, though much impeded by thick 
fogs, which often rendered it difficult for them to keep toge- 
ther. The cold was much more severe than in the North 
Seas : though the middle of the antarctic summer, the ther- 
mometer did not rise above 14° at noon. In the afternoon 
of the 11th of February, while running before a favourable 
breeze, they found themselves surrounded by the main pack 
on all sides, except to windward, having during the thick 
weather run down into a deep bight of it. The ships were 
instantly hauled to the wind, and with the greatest difficulty 
extricated from their dangerous situation before the wind 
increased to a violent gale ; and under a close-reefed main- 
top-sail, and storm stay-sails they, before midnight, barely 
weathered a great number of very large bergs clustered 
together under their lee, and probably aground, one nearly 
four miles long, though not more than 150 feet high. For 
some hours all on board were in a state of great anxiety, not 
knowing how far west this chain of bergs might extend, the 
thick-falling snow preventing their seeing to any distance 
ahead; the waves, as they broke over the ships, froze as 



RESULT OF FIRST YEAR'S VOYAGE. 225 

they fell on the decks and rigging, and covered their clothes 
with a thick coating of ice. In the afternoon of the 13th 
the storm began to - abate, and they found themselves in a 
more open sea. 

Captain Boss now being convinced of the necessity of re- 
linquishing any attempt to penetrate to the eastward that 
season, they bore away to the west and north, passing 
Franklin Island on the 15th, and Mount Erebus on the 
16th, and approached the coast in the hope of finding a 
refuge for the winter, so as to visit the volcano and penetrate 
to the Magnetic Pole in the following spring. A low point 
of land, with a small islet off it, seemed to promise a shelter ; 
but on endeavouring to struggle through the ice towards 
this spot, it was found utterly impossible to reach it, the 
whole space of 15 or 16 miles between it and the ships being 
now a solid mass of ice. Captain Boss and Commander 
Crozier came therefore to the determination of relinquishing 
the attempt, and naming the land they had discovered and 
traced from the 70th to the 76th degree of latitude after 
Her Most Gracious Majesty, they commenced retracing 
their way to the eastward ; a most laborious work, as the ice 
had become so thick as to prevent the ships sailing through 
it, and yet was not strong enough to bear the weight of a 
party of men to cut a passage with saws. The boats being 
hauled out on each bow, the ice was broken up by rolling 
them ; and in this manner it took sometimes an hour to 
advance a few yards, and it was not till the following morn- 
ing that they regained the clear water and bore away to the 
northward. 

Another attempt was made to land further to the north, 
which proved equally unsuccessful, and they steered away 
to the north, towards a chain of islands discovered by 
Balleny, and soon came to the main pack, along the edge of 
which they continued their course, meeting with alternate 
gales and calms, with snow storms, and frequently beset by 
the ice. On March 2nd and the following days land was in 
sight, supposed to be that seen by Balleny ; and on the 4th 



226 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

they recrossed the Antarctic Circle. On the 7th, during a 
strong breeze, the ships became involved in an immense 
chain of bergs, so closely packed as to show no opening 
through which to pass, the waves breaking violently against 
them, and dashing huge masses of ice against the precipitous 
faces of the bergs, from which they were thrown in a multi- 
tude of fragments. For eight hours they had been drifting 
towards what appeared inevitable destruction, the high waves 
and deep rolling of the ships rendering towing with the 
boats impossible, and no human effort could be made to 
avoid the doom which seemed to await them. "When within 
half a mile of the range of bergs, where they could hear the 
roar of the surf and the crashing of the ice, most provi- 
dentially a gentle favouring breeze came on, which before 
dark removed them from all danger. During their progress 
to the north-west, they frequently saw the Aurora Australis, 
which was sometimes brilliant enough to light them in the 
absence of the moon. 

They now steered for Yan Diemen's Land, where they 
arrived on the 6th of April, after an absence of five months, 
and Avere warmly welcomed by Sir John Franklin. Though 
they had not succeeded in reaching the Magnetic Pole, it was 
very satisfactory to have approached it some hundred miles 
nearer than any preceding navigators ; and it was a source 
of great thankfulness that every individual had been per- 
mitted to return from this hazardous expedition in health 
and safety. 



SECOND YEAE. 

On the 7th of July, 1841, the ships having been refitted, 
though very little repair was found requisite, the expedition 
again left Hobart Town to resume their task, and proceeded to 
Sydney and to Kew Zealand, in order to extend the magnetic 
. observations, and make meteorological and other philoso- 
phical experiments. 



EESULT OF SECOND YEARNS VOYAGE. 227 

On the 23rd of November they left the Bay of Islands, 
steering towards Chatham Island. On the 25th they crossed 
the 180th degree, and having, by sailing to the eastward, 
gained twelve honrs, it became necessary, on entering upon 
west longitude, to have two days following of the same date, 
in order that their time might correspond with that of 
England by the time they reached it, so as to lose the time 
they were gaining as they sailed to the eastward. They had, 
therefore, two Thursdays and two twenty-fifths of November 
in succession. 

On December 16th, the first icebergs were seen in lat. 
58° 36' S. ; long. 146° 43' "W. 

Captain B-oss now changed his course to due south, 
selecting this meridian in the hope of discovering land, and 
wishing to approach the great barrier by a route as widely 
different as possible from their former one. 

On the 18th they reached the main pack, much further to 
the north than the year before, and at once ran into it, but 
finding it heaviest to the south, they were obliged to steer in 
a westerly direction, turning southward whenever an oppor- 
tunity occurred. 

On the 25th they were in lat. 66 S., long. 156° 14' "W., 
closely beset in the pack, and with a thick fog, in spite of 
which they spent a very cheerful Christmas. Drifting about 
in a small hole of water, they made the ships fast to a piece 
of ice, placed between them to prevent a collision, a plan 
which was repeatedly practised during their progress through 
the pack. They made but little way south, and again crossed 
the Antarctic Circle on New Tear's Day. As usual, a com- 
plete suit of warm clothing was presented to the crews. 
They had now advanced 250 miles through the pack without 
seeing any prospect of its termination, boring through the 
ice at a very slow rate, encouraged by the appearance of a 
dark water-sky to the west. 

On the 17th a heavy swell came on, with a thick fog, fol- 
lowed on the 19th by a terrific gale, and the sea quickly 
rising to a fearful height, and breaking over the loftiest 

q2 



228 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

bergs, the ships were unable any longer to bold tbeir ground, 
but were driven into tbe heavy pack under their lee. Soon 
after midnight they were involved in an ocean of rolling 
fragments of ice, as hard as rocks, which were dashed against 
them by the waves with such violence that the masts 
quivered as if they would fall at every successive blow, and 
it seemed scarcely probable the ships could hold together 
against the tremendous shocks they received. The rudder 
of the ' Erebus' was soon so shattered as to be useless, and 
that of the ' Terror' completely destroyed. Throughout the 
28 hours during which they were in such awful jeopardy 
the coolness, steady obedience, and untiring exertions of 
each individual were every way worthy of British seamen. 
Each man secured his hold, waiting the issue with resigna- 
tion to the will of Him who alone could preserve them in 
safety through such extreme danger. At midnight the snow 
which had been falling thickly for some hours cleared away, 
the wind shifted to the westward, and the swell began to 
subside. On the 21st, the weather becoming calmer, they 
drove the ships into the thickest of the pack for shelter, 
while the rudders were repaired. In spite of the thumping 
they had received, both ships were found to be nearly as 
tight as they were before the gale, showing the admirable 
manner in which they had been fortified, and partly to be 
attributed to the holds being so stowed as to form a solid 
mass throughout. 

The 23rd was Sunday, and in the course of reading the 
usual church service in the morning, a practice which during 
the whole expedition was scarcely if ever interrupted, the 
congregation failed not to offer up their heartfelt thanks- 
givings to G-od for their late wonderful preservation. The 
ships continued beset in the pack for many days, often in 
great danger from the heavy swell, sometimes making a few 
miles southward, then driven back with the pack to the 
north. 

At length, on the 2nd of February, they broke through 
the heavy ice and foam which formed its edge, and reached 



EESULT OF SECOND YEAK'S VOYAGE. 229 

the open sea, in lat. 67 D 29' S., and long. 159° 01' W., after 
being involved in the pack for fifty-six days. This was only 
ten days earlier than they had been compelled to abandon 
further operations the year before, but they continued beat- 
ing along the pack edge which trended to the west, till the 
13th, when they were able to stand south, in a tolerably clear 
sea. Here they met with fogs, and the cold was intense ; 
and on the 19th an ice-blink was seen, indicating the proxi- 
mity of the great barrier, which was seen on the 23rd, on 
which they steered east, hoping to turn its eastern extremity, 
and thus reach a higher southern latitude. They were, 
however, stopped by the newly-formed ice, and the next day 
the main pack was in sight, closely approaching the barrier. 
The setting in of the winter now rendered it necessary to 
abandon further researches, and to seek a more temperate 
climate ; and having had the satisfaction of tracing the 
barrier 130 miles more to the east than the preceding year, 
Captain Ross resolved to take the shortest course for the 
Falkland Islands, steering north to seek for some opening in 
the pack. 

On the 5th of March, after passing a chain of stupendous 
bergs, and meeting with stormy weather, they recrossed the 
Antarctic Circle, celebrating the event with much rejoicing. 
On the 12th, during a strong breeze, they came upon a 
chain of bergs, and during the night, a large one, previously 
concealed by the thickly -falling snow, was suddenly seen 
directly ahead of the ' Erebus.' At the moment of trying 
to weather it, the ' Terror ' was seen running down upon her, 
and as it was impossible for her to clear both the bergs, and 
the ' Erebus,' a frightful collision ensued. The bowsprit and 
other spars of the ' Erebus ' were carried away, and the ships 
entangled by their rigging, and dashing against each other 
with fearful violence, were falling down upon the weather- 
face of the lofty berg under their lee. Providentially they 
separated before drifting down amongst the foaming breakers, 
and the ' Terror ' passed on and cleared the end of the berg 
in safety. The ' Erebus ' was left completely disabled, and 



230 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

so close to the berg that the waves as they dashed against 
it threw their spray over her. It was three-quarters of an 
hour before she could be extricated from this awful situation, 
when another huge berg was seen directly astern of her; 
she passed, however, in safety through the narrow channel 
between these two perpendicular walls of ice, and reached 
the smooth water to leeward. Having repaired the damages 
sustained, they continued northwards, meeting with a storm 
which lasted forty hours ; and on the 6th of April, after being 
out of sight of land for 136 days, they reached the Falkland 
Islands, where Captain Ross proposed to pass the winter to 
repair the ships, and be in readiness to make a third attempt 
to penetrate to the south at the proper season. 

On their arrival they learnt with great satisfaction that 
Commander Crozier, Lieut. Bird, Mr. Smith, mate, aud Mr. 
Mowbray, clerk in charge of the l Terror,' had received their 
well-earned promotion on the day Captain Boss's Beport of 
their first season's operations reached the Admiralty. 

The ships were hove up and repaired, and by the end of 
July were again ready for sea, but the magnetic observa- 
tions could not be concluded till the end of August. On 
the 8th of September, the expedition left Port Louis for the 
purpose of making observations in the vicinity of Cape Horn, 
to be compared with those made during their absence at the 
temporary magnetic observatory, which was placed under the 
charge of Lieut. Sibbald. They as usual encountered severe 
storms in their passage to Cape Horn, which they saw on 
19th, and passing it, the ships entered St. Martin's Cove 
the next day. The observatories were erected, and the ob- 
servations commenced on the 29th, and after making many 
interesting researches into the natural productions of the 
country, they sailed again on the 7th of November for the 
Falkland Islands, where all preparations were made for re- 
suming their researches in the South. 



RESULT OF THIRD YEARNS VOYAGE. 231 



THIRD YEAR. 

The expedition sailed from Port Louis for their third 
visit to the Antarctic regions, on the 17th of December, 
1842, every one rejoicing in the prospect of resuming the 
important business of the voyage. Captain Ross selected 
the meridian of 55 3 W., in which he expected to meet with 
a continuation of Louis Philippe's Land, hoping, by follow- 
ing the coast-line to the south-eastward, keeping between 
the land and the pack, to survey its shores and to attain a 
high latitude ; determining, in case of meeting with any 
inseparable obstacle, to relinquish that attempt, and endea- 
vour to follow the track by which Weddell reached the 
latitude of 74° 15' S., three degrees further than any pre- 
ceding navigator, where, from his account, there was every 
reason to expect a clear sea, in which to extend the limits 
of his daring researches. 

On the morning of the 24th, in latitude 61°, while about 
fifty miles north-east of Clarence Island, one of the South 
Shetland group, the first iceberg was seen, and a gale of 
wind came on; but the next day, though surrounded by 
many icebergs, they contrived, under shelter of Clarence 
Island, to pass a cheerful Christmas, with the aid of a fine 
fat ox from the Falkland Islands, which had been presented by 
the G-overnor to each ship, for this occasion. In the afternoon 
a solid pack was seen, from S.S.W. to E. They beat along 
its edge, but did not venture into it, though it appeared 
tolerably open, and continued amongst loose ice and bergs, 
rapidly thawing from the high state of temperature, which 
rendered it dangerous to approach them. On the 28th, 
land was discovered, in the form of two projecting head- 
lands ; and a round-topped mountain covered with snow, and 
at a great distance to the north, another promontory was 
seen, supposed to be the " Point des Francais,' of Admiral 
D'Urville. A quantity of grounded bergs prevented their 



232 EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC POLE. 

approaching the coast nearer than two or three miles ; they 
could, therefore, only examine it as they passed along. A 
great number of large whales were met with, so tame that 
they would hardly get ont of the way of the ships. Many 
small islets were seen off the land, the whirlpools amongst 
which were found very troublesome ; and on the 30th the 
pack was found so close they could scarcely pass between it 
and the land. On the 1st of January, 1843, they were 
in lat. 64° 14' S., long. 55° 54' ~W\, near a small island 
perfectly free from snow, rising in a rocky peak 2,760 feet 
above the sea, which was named Cockburn Island, on which 
the ice having partially drifted away, Captain Ross and 
Captain Crozier landed, on the 6th, and took formal posses- 
sion of it. On this island 19 species of plants were found, 
mosses, algce, and lichens, the last vestiges of vegetation in 
this high southern latitude. The island appeared to be of 
volcanic origin, as well as the land, which presented a range 
of lofty mountains covered with snow, with perpendicular 
icy cliffs towards the sea. The deep gulf in which the 
ships then were was forty miles across, and received the 
name of the Grulf of the Erebus and the Terror. They con- 
tinued to struggle through the ice, without making any 
important advance, frequently beset by the pack, and 
stationary for days together, till the 1st of February, when 
it became necessary to extricate the ships, and endeavour to 
penetrate to the south. They reached clear water on the 
4th, after being involved in the pack for nearly six weeks, 
but the best of the season was passed ; fogs and east winds 
prevailed, and they found a dense pack in the latitude where 
"Weddell had found a clear sea. They entered the Antarctic 
Circle on the 1st of March, and stood to the S.W., persever- 
ing for some time in the attempt to penetrate further south, 
but the ice was too strong for them, and they were in great 
danger from a violent gale, which lasted three days, accom- 
panied by snow-storms, while they were surrounded by 
icebergs. Through this danger they were, however, 
providentially preserved ; and on the 8th, after reaching 



RESULT OF THIRD YEAR'S VOYAGE. 233 

the 70th. degree of latitude, they began retracing their 
course northward, and recrossed the Antarctic Circle for 
the last time on the 11th. 

They now steered for the Cape of Good Hope, which they 
reached on the 4th of April, having returned in safety, 
without one individual in either of the ships on the sick 
list. Having refitted the ships and refreshed the crews, and 
repeated the magnetic observations, the expedition left the 
Cape the end of April, touching at St. Helena and Ascension, 
for the purpose of making magnetic experiments, and verify- 
ing their instruments, and proceeded to Bio de Janeiro for 
the same purpose. Having completed these duties, they 
sailed for England, and anchored in safety off Polkstone, 
on the 4th of September. 

The acquisitions to natural history, geology, geography, 
but above all, towards the elucidation of the grand mystery 
of terrestrial magnetism, raise this voyage to a pre-eminent 
rank among the greatest achievements of British courage, 
intelligence, and enterprise. 



( 234 ) 



WAK IN NEW ZEALAND, 

From 1845 to 1847. 

The subject of the war in New Zealand is so painful that 
we would have avoided touching on it could we have done so 
with propriety. It is painful, because it was unnecessary ; 
because our opponents are now living in amity with us, 
improving in civilization, and fellow-subjects of our gracious 
Sovereign ; and also because many gallant officers and men 
fell during its continuance. Tet, as the naval service was 
employed, we cannot omit it altogether, New Zealand is 
divided into two large islands, with a small one to the south. 
The northern island is extensively populated with a warlike, 
intelligent j yet hitherto savage race. The country is very 
mountainous, thickly wooded, with many rapid rivers, and 
the coast is broken with deep indentations. The tempera- 
ture of the air, though hot in summer, is bracing at other 
times of the year. A number of British subjects having 
settled there, whalers and others, with a few missionaries, 
and some having purchased land from the natives, Captain 
Hobson, B.N., was sent out first with the title of consul, 
and afterwards with that of governor, when, in 1840, the 
islands were taken possession of by the English Government. 
He concluded a treaty with 512 chiefs, natives of the Bay 
of Islands, and others, at Waitangi, by which the sovereignty 
of the islands was ceded to Queen Victoria. He, dying, 
was succeeded by Captain EitzBoy. The military force in 
the island consisted of a company or so of infantry, to keep 
in order a lawless white population, and some 50,000 proud, 
sanguinary, and suspicious natives, well armed, and conscious 
of their strength. The immediate causes of the war were 



WAR IX NEW ZEALAND. 235 

disputes about laud claims. As the value of lauds rose, 
tribes, who had sold large tracts for a few blaukets aud 
muskets to greedy white speculators, were auxious to regain 
them. 

Iu the uortheru part of the islaud existed a cunuiug aud 
bold warrior, called Held, who had ouce beeu a servant at 
the rnissiouary station at Pahia ; but though a Christian in 
uame, the spirit of the gospel had uever eutered iuto his 
heart. Having married the daughter of a celebrated chief, 
called Hougi, he became a chief himself. After maltreating 
the settlers in his neighbourhood, he took it into his head to 
cut dowu the flag-staff at Russel, known by the uative name 
of Kororarika. A small force, accompauied by Governor 
EitzRoy in persou, on board H. M. S. ' Hazard,' warned 
the better-disposed natives not again to commit a similar 
outrage. 

However, Heki was not to be deterred by fear from mis- 
chief; and on the 10th of March he again attacked aud took 
Kororarika by surprise. Fortified blockhouses aud entrench- 
ments were bravely defended for some time by a small body 
of military stationed there, and by the officers and crew of 
H. M. S. ' Hazard.' She lost six men killed aud eight 
wounded. Captain Robertson was so much hurt that his 
life was despaired of. The detachment of the 96th lost four 
men killed aud five wounded. The place was then for a 
time abandoned. 

This unexpected success of Heki emboldened him to un- 
dertake further warlike proceedings, and to threaten even 
Auckland itself. Just then H. M. S. ' North Star,' Captain 
Sir Everard Home, arrived on the station. An attack on 
Heki, in his own pah, was resolved on ; and accordingly all 
the force which could be mustered was marched against him, 
consisting of the small-armed seamen, marines, and military, 
in all about 400 men. The pah was found to be of such 
immense strength, that it seemed impossible to capture it 
without guns, and those the attacking party had not. How- 
ever, as Lieut. Egerton, of H. M. S. ' North Star,' had under 



236 WAR IN NEW ZEALAND. 

him a rocket-party, lie took up a position from whence 
rockets could be thrown, and fired 12 into the fort ; bnt as 
the roofs of the hnts were covered with flax-leaf, they did not 
catch fire. A sortie was then made by Kawiti, a brother 
chieftain of Heki's, to attack the flank of the British, and 
many on both sides lost their Lives. The attack being re- 
pulsed, the British force was withdrawn, as the fort was 
found perfectly impregnable without a battering-train. Fresh 
troops arriving in New Zealand, a second attack was resolved 
on, under the command of Colonel Despard. 

Owing to bad weather, the force did not begin to march 
till the 23rd of June. A battery of four guns (6-pounders) 
was then opened, but did little execution. On the 30th of 
June the seamen of H. M. S. ' Hazard ' brought up from 
their ship a 32-lb. gun a distance of 15 miles, and soon had 
it posted on a hill near the pah. The next day it was 
opened with considerable effect; but yet no breach was 
made. The enemy on this made a sortie, but were repulsed ; 
and then the colonel ordered an assault. The troops and 
seamen rushed in, led by their officers with their accustomed 
bravery ; but it was impossible to get through the stockades. 
Numbers fell in the vain attempt. Of the officers, the gal- 
lant Lieut. Philpotts of H. M. S. ' Hazard,' Captain Grant 
of the 56th Regiment, and Lieut. Beattie were killed, and 
many other officers and men were wounded. Preparations 
were accordingly made to retire, when, on the morning of 
the 10th, it was found that Heki and his followers had 
evacuated the pah, and retired into the woods. 

Directly after this old Kawiti commenced the formation 
of a pah of greater strength than any yet known, which 
he called Bua-peka-peka, or the Bat's-nest. Its site was 
selected with great care on the ridge of a hill, of which it 
occupied the whole breadth, the ground falling perpen- 
dicularly from its two sides. Originally it had been a 
rectangular parallelogram, 130 yards long by 100 yards 
wide ; but under the direction of one who evidently knew 
his business, it soon assumed the character of a regular 



WAR IN NEW ZEALAND. 237 

fortress. A large ravelin was thrown out on the east, and 
bastions formed on the north and south. The angles on the 
western face were protected by bastions of smaller size. 
The outer fortifications consisted of a palisade, formed of 
trees from 15 to 18 feet high, and from 14 inches to 3 feet 
in diameter, bound together with withes, a tree at intervals 
rising slightly above the ground, so as to form a loop-hole 
for those within. Across these upright timbers ran two 
horizontal beams, one 3 feet and the other 9 feet from the 
ground. They were lashed to each limb of the stockade, 
and gave strength and continuity to the whole. Further 
back, and at the distance of 3 feet, was another palisade, of 
the same character. Beyond this was a ditch, which an- 
swered, when the heavy guns began to play, as a covered 
way for the besieged. The earth had been thrown up on the 
inside, and, in addition to the other defences, formed a ram- 
part 8 feet high. "Within, the huts were placed irregularly, 
many of them being also surrounded with palisades, but 
nearly all were undermined. Over the pit dug below were 
laid two layers of trees, and these were carefully covered 
with earth. Upon this substratum was placed the floor of 
the hut, so that the inhabitants had, in case of necessity, a 
bomb-proof retreat. There were two guns at the pah, a 
12-pounder and a 3-pounder. Several wells had been dug 
inside, and one within 10 yards of the outer defences. The 
place was scantily supplied with potatoes and fern-root. 
Altogether, standing on the verge of a precipitous ravine, 
amid forest and mountain, where nature assumed her wildest 
aspect, with its bastions and sallyports, and the constant 
coming and going of its rude soldiery, the scene presented 
was worthy the pencil of Salvator Rosa. 

When Kawiti's proceedings were known, the commandant, 
with a superior force to any yet employed, advanced from 
Kororarika to attack the fort. He had with him detach- 
ments of the 58th and 99th Regiments, amounting to 27 
officers and 750 men ; of marines, 3 officers and 79 men ; and 
of small-armed seamen, 10 officers and 211 seamen, besides 



238 WAR IN NEW ZEALAND. 

artillery officers and men, and two 32 -pounders and other 
guns. 

After a long march, and considerable difficulty in getting 
up the guns, the place was regularly approached by trenches. 
"While they were in progress, small parties of Maories might 
be seen daily going out to reconnoitre. Plunging singly 
into the forest, they glided from tree to tree with noiseless 
steps, carefully peeping round the stems before they moved 
forward, and listening with bent head to every sound. Skir- 
mishes would occasionally take place, and be carried on with 
great vivacity for about an hour. The advanced batteries of 
the British being completed, notice was brought that some 
of the Christian natives were performing the church service 
at the rear of the fort. This was on the 11th of January 
1846. The assault was instantly ordered ; and, with com- 
paratively small loss of life, the place was taken. The naval 
branch of the service lost 9 men killed and 1 midshipman, 
and 17 men wounded. Old Kawiti made his escape, and 
was received afterwards on board H. M. S. c Driver,' when 
he gave in his allegiance to the Queen of England. 

During the storming of the pah, one of the ' Castor's ' 
sailors, named Sargeant, climbed to the top of the stockade, 
and commenced loading away and firing at every one of the 
enemy that he could see; and when ordered by Colonel 
Wynyard to come down, he coolly replied, " Oh, no, your 
honour; here's the place to see 'em. Come up here!" It 
was afterwards found that his cap had been shot off, his coat 
shot through in four places, and the palisade on which he 
sat was riddled through and through ; but the man himself 
was never touched. 

The northern part of the island being quieted, the Go- 
vernor was able to turn his attention to the south, where 
two . powerful chiefs, Te Eauperaha and Eangehaieta, were 
committing havoc in every direction. After some fighting, a 
combined naval and military force was put on board H.M.S. 
' Driver,' for the purpose of attacking the rebels as she moved 
down the coast, and taking the veteran chief in his lair. 



WAR IN NEW ZEALAND. 239 

The latter object was at length accomplished. On the 23rd 
July, 1846, Major Lurt, of the 29th, with Captain Stanley, 
of H.M.S. ' Calliope,' and a party of about 130 seamen and 
marines, landed before daylight, with such perfection and 
order, that the stockade of Taupo was surrounded and en- 
tered before the inmates caught the alarm. A party of 
seamen seized the chief, Te Hauperaha in his bed, and in 
spite of all opposition, carried him off to the ' Calliope ' 
without any casualty. 

Rangihaieta was soon afterwards attacked in his strong- 
hold ; but, driven from it, he retreated from post to post, 
closely followed by the British force, and watched by the 
1 Calliope ' whenever he approached the coast. After this he 
remained quiet, and never again appeared in arms. Several 
chiefs in the "Wanganui district, however, were still disposed 
to try the fortune of war, and several skirmishes with them 
took place ; but as, however, the British military and naval 
forces were now rapidly increasing, the elder chieftains 
began to perceive that the war was a losing game with them. 
Accordingly they were glad to accept of peace, and by the 
consummate tact of Sir George Grey, they have all since 
given in their allegiance to the British Government. 



( 240 ) 



ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S. ' NEMESIS/ < COLUM- 
BINE'S ' BOAT, AND BORNEO PIBATES, 

30th May, 1847. 

A severe, though brilliant action, took place on the 30th 
May, 1847, between the H.E.I.C. steamer ' Nemesis' and a 
number of piratical prahus. Early in the morning the 
steamer, with Mr. Brooke and Captain Grey on board, and 
having in tow a cutter of H.M.S. ' Columbine,' left the 
town of Brune to cross over to the new British port of 
Labuan. Information was received on the way down the 
river that some fishermen had been chased at daylight, and 
on rounding the point of the island of Moarra, the look-out 
of the ' Nemesis ' descried a fleet of Balanini or Sulo pirates 
in full chase of a trading prahu in the offing. Immediately 
the steamer appeared, the pirates, quitting the chase, pulled 
in shore to the westward, and at the same time cut away the 
small boats they bad in tow, whilst the steamer, pursuing at 
full power, lost much ground by baving to round the exten- 
sive shoal which stretches from Moarra Point (Ujong Sapo) 
to the islet of Pilong Pilongau. The Balinini were first de- 
scried at half-past 9 o'clock a.m., and about mid-day, finding 
the steamer gaining upon them, came to an anchor. At 
1 o'clock p.m., the pirate fleet was plainly made out from the 
' Nemesis.' Eleven large prahus, anchored in line, at a 
distance of 10 yards one from another, along a sandy 
beach, with their heads to sea, their sterns (fast by stern- 
warps ashore) in the surf, with a hawser passing along from 
boat to boat. The bows of the prahus were protected by 
ampilans, formed of musket-proof planks ; they appeared 
well armed, crowded with men, and in this formidable posi- 
tion awaited the approach of the steamer. 

At 1. 30. the pirates opened fire on the steamer, and 
the action commenced in earnest, at a distance of about 200 



ACTION WITH BORNEO PIRATES. 241 

yards, the steamer being in two fathoms' water, and rolling 
heavily in a ground- swell. For two hours a heavy fire was 
kept up from the ' Nemesis,' and the fire from the pirates 
being nearly silenced, and their prahus evidently greatly 
damaged, Captain Grey, with three cutters (one belonging 
to H.M.S. ' Columbine,' and two to the ' Nemesis '), re- 
solved to make a dash at the left of the pirates' position, 
whilst the steamer poured in grape and canister upon the 
centre and right, to prevent their rendering aid to their 
comrades. On the advance of the boats, the pirates, casting 
loose the hawser which attached the prahus together, pulled 
away to the eastward in a crippled state, leaving two prahus 
in possession of the boats, and numbers of men on the beach 
or jungle. The ' Nemesis ' pursued to the eastward, and 
one after another, drove six of the flying enemy ashore, all 
of which were for the time abandoned by their crews, but 
could not be taken possession of, owing to the small number 
of British boats in the action. In the meantime, whilst 
Captain Grey was securing the two prizes already mentioned 
to the westward, and the ' Nemesis ' in full pursuit of the 
last three prahus to the eastward, five out of the six deserted 
boats were remanned, and, with a resolution praiseworthy in 
a better cause, bore down to the attack of the three small 
cutters. Captain Wallage, commander of the ' Nemesis,' 
perceiving this manoeuvre, and convinced that these prahus 
must at all events escape to the westward, returned in that 
direction, while the sixth deserted prahu being remanned, 
and favoured by a breeze, crowded all sail to the eastward 
after her three consorts, and thus the four escaped. The five 
pirate prahus, now advancing boldly towards the three 
cutters, perceiving the retrograde movement of the * Ne- 
mesis,' made every effort to escape to the westward, and a 
severe action took place between the sternmost prahu and 
the boats, the enemy defending himself with the utmost re- 
solution, and inflicting a severe loss on the British. Whilst 
Captain Grey was engaged in the capture of this large 
prahu, the ' Nemesis ' pursued the four to the westward, 
two of which were captured, while the remaining two es- 



242 ACTION WITH BORNEO PIRATES. 

caped in the darkness in a completely shattered state, after 
having been several times deserted and as often remanned. 
Thus concluded this successful action with a pirate force 
consisting of 11 prahus, two of the largest size, four some- 
what smaller, with crews of fully 50 men each, and five with 
a complement of 35 to 40 hands. The force of the pirates, 
at a moderate computation, must be reckoned at 500 men, 
exclusive of captives, and these, on the testimony of some 
rescued Chinese, were above 100 persons. The loss on the 
side of the pirates was estimated at 80 or 100 killed, and 
about double that number wounded. One man was killed 
in the British force, and seven wounded ; two mortally and 
the rest severely. Ten brass guns, varying in size from nine- 
pounders to " Mas," and five iron guns (three to six- 
pounders) were captured. Between 200 and 300 of the 
pirates took refuge in the jungle, whence they were hunted 
out by the Sultan's people. Five prahus were taken, and 
the escape of the rest is to be attributed to the small 
number of British boats engaged, as at one time eight 
prahus were lying on the beach abandoned by their crews ; 
and had the British boats been sufficient to hare secured 
them, the other three would have been overtaken by the 
' Nemesis.' Erom the statement of some of the liberated 
captives, it appears that the pirates had visited the southern 
coasts of Borneo, the Straits of Banka, Sinkess, the Anambas, 
the jSTatunas, and the north-west coast of Borneo, ransacking 
trading-boats and villages, and taking prisoners men, women, 
and children. One Chinese, who was too ill to work, was 
hung up and cut to pieces. During the action with the 
' Nemesis,' the captives were compelled to sit on the decks 
of the prahus, by which some lost their lives ; others swam 
ashore with the pirates, and were attacked at first by the 
Kadyan Dyaks, who, however, on ascertaining which were 
the captives, conducted them to Brune to the Sultan, by 
whom they were kindly treated. About 40 pirates were 
brought in alive, and the captives were desired by the Sultan 
to take their revenge. This they declined, saying, " Grod is 
great, and will punish the wicked." 



( 243 ) 



EXPEDITION TO SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA, 

UNDER CAPTAIN a. G. LOCH, E.N. 



CAPTURE OF FORT SERAPAQUI, 

February 21st, 1848. 

The State of Nicaragua will be found towards the southern 
portion of that narrow neck of land which joins the two 
mighty continents of North and South America. A variety 
of outrages and insults having been offered to British 
subjects, two individuals especially having been carried off 
from San Juan by Colonel Salas of the Nicaragnan army, 
Mr. Walker, Her Majesty's Consul- General and Agent, 
stationed at Bluefields, sent to Admiral Austen, the Com- 
mander-in-Chief on the "West India Station, requesting 
the support and protection of some ships-of-war for British 
interests in that part of the world. 

In consequence of this request, the Admiral despatched 
H.M.S. ' Alarm,' Captain Granville G. Loch, and H.M.S. 
■ Vixen,' Commander Ryder, to Bluefields. They reached 
that place on the 5th of February, when Mr. Walker par- 
ticularly requesting to be allowed to accompany the expedi- 
tion Captain Loch proposed at once to lead against the 
Nicaraguans, he embarked with them, and they again sailed 
on the 7th for San Juan de Nicaragua, accompanied by a boat 
belonging to Mr. Walker. They reached the mouth of the 
river the following day, where the ships came to an anchor. 
The nearest Nicaraguan settlement was at Serapaqui, about 
thirty miles up the river, but which, from the strength of 
the current and various rapids, is generally a four days' 

r2 



244 EXPEDITION TO SAN" JUAN DE NICARAGUA. 

journey by boats. It was understood that Colonel Salas 
was stationed at this fort with a considerable body of 
troops. Nothing daunted by this, by the known strength 
of the fort, and the difficulty of approaching it, on account 
of the rapidity of the current of the river which there flows 
by it, Captain Loch resolved to insist on Colonel Salas 
making all the reparation in his power, or, in the event of 
his refusal, to compel him to do so by force. 

The fort of Serapaqui was situated on a point projecting 
into the river very abruptly, to the height of fifty feet. It 
was protected in the rear by a dense forest, and in the front 
by an abattis formed of large trees felled, with their heads 
and branches reaching into -the river. The defences of the 
fort consisted of six angular stockaded entrenchments, 
formed of very tough timber, eight feet high and four feet 
thick, one side of each stockade looking across the river, 
and the other down the reach. The principal stockade 
commanded the only landing-place, on which also a gun was 
at the time mounted. The fort was only to be approached 
by heading a rapid current of nearly five knots an hour, in 
order to pass the fort and descend towards the landing- 
place, which was above the stockaded batteries, and 
excessively steep and narrow. The fort is situated at the 
head of a straight reach about a mile and a half long, the 
banks on either side affording an almost impenetrable 
shelter to a concealed foe. 

As soon as the ships anchored, the expedition, consisting 
of 260 officers and men, left their sides in twelve boats — 
consisting of the ships' launches, the ' Vixen's ' paddle-box 
boats, the gigs, Mr. Walker's boat, a spare pinnace, com- 
manded by Lieut. Johnston of H.M.S. ' Alarm,' and the 
ship's barges. 

The representations as to the strength of the current were 
found to be in no way exaggerated, but with a gallantry, 
zeal, and perseverance never surpassed, Captain Loch and 
his brave followers pulled on hour after hour against the 
stream. Often they had to pass over downfalls and rapids, 



CAPTURE OF FORT SERAPAQUI. 245 

when it was only by the greatest exertions the heavy boats 
could in any way be forced along, and in this service Lieut. 
Scott, First of the ' Vixen,' showed the most praiseworthy 
zeal and gallantry. At night they rested, but at an early 
hour again each morning they recommenced their exertions, 
and at length, after a most fatiguing pull of 72 hours, they 
anchored a short distance below the fort. Here a most 
melancholy accident occurred, which threw a gloom over the 
whole band. — A friend of Mr. Walker's had accompanied 
him in his boat, and in the night, by some chance, he slipped 
overboard, and was swept down the stream by the rapid 
current. Mr. Walker heard his despairing cry for help, and 
regardless of the risk he ran, he leaped overboard in the 
boiling waters, in the vain hope of saving him. He, too, 
was at once whirled away by the current, and carried far 
away, before, by any possibility, assistance could be afforded 
him : both gentlemen thus unhappily losing their lives. 
Early on the morning of the 12th of February, the expedi- 
tion got under weigh, and proceeded up towards the fort. 
Captain Loch and Commander Ryder went on ahead in 
their gigs, in order to communicate with Colonel Salas, and 
to state the object of Her Majesty's forces being in the 
river. No sooner, however, were they seen from the fort 
than they were fired at by two guns, and directly after- 
wards, by musketry from both sides of the river. As this 
act effectually prevented any peaceable arrangements, 
Captain Loch immediately ordered up the boats for the 
purpose of storming the fort. The two gigs then took the 
lead, followed pretty closely by some of the lighter-pulling 
boats, consisting of a spare pinnace, commanded by Lieut. 
Johnston, H.M.S. ' Alarm,' containing some of the 38th 
Regiment, the 'Alarm's' barge, commanded by Lieut. 
Ridge and First-lieut. Boyle of the Royal Marines, with a 
part of his detachment, and the ' Vixen's ' port paddle-box 
boat, with the head-quarters of the detachment of that 
regiment, commanded by Captain Smith. On they went, 
pulling against the rapid current, which, as they advanced, 



246 EXPEDITION TO SAX JUAX DE XICAEAGUA. 

grew still stronger, and exposed all the time to a hot fire of 
musketry from men concealed behind both banks of the 
river, so that there was little nse even in attempting to 
return it. From this severe fire several men were wounded, 
and one officer very severely — Mr. R. Turner, midshipman — 
and two killed. The boats were also almost riddled with shot, 
and nearly half the oars were broken ; and it seems sur- 
prising, considering also their crowded state, with the mill- 
etream rate of the current, that a greater number of casualties 
did not occur. In this exposed position, often appearing to 
be quite stationary, they had to pull one hour and forty 
minutes before they were enabled to pass the batteries 
sufficiently high to drop down to the landing-place pre- 
viously mentioned. 

Ey this time nearly all the boats were up, and Captain 
Loch gave the order to land, he himself leading the way, 
accompanied by First-lieut. Boyle and the Royal Marines of 
his ship, who, with his detachment, acted as his guard, and 
showed an example of gallantry which his men were not 
slow to follow. Captain Smith, commanding the detach- 
ment of H.AI. 38th Regiment, was near him on landing, and 
Commander Ryder, at the head of his division, was close to 
him, while Lieut s. Johnston and Ridge, of the ' Alarm,' 
led on their men in gallant style. The boats' crews uttered 
a truly British cheer, as they leaped on shore and gallantly 
charged the enemy. The 2s"icaraguans withstood them for 
some time, but the cutlass and pistol soon did their work, 
and in ten minutes they had taken to flight, and the British 
flag was hoisted on the fort. One of the first on shore was 
a seaman of the ' Yixen ' (Denis Burke, stoker), who quickly 
fought his way up to the enemy's colours, and captured 
them. As the enemy fled, the British pursued them into 
the thick woods, but after they had been chased for about 
thirty minutes, Captain Loch considering that they had 
been sufficiently punished, ordered the recall to be sounded. 
They then destroyed the stockades, spiked the guns, broke 
the trunnions, and threw them, together with all the muskets 



CAPTURE OF FORT SERAPAQUI. 247 

and ammunition left behind, into the river. The force was 
next embarked, when the whole of the defences were set on 
fire. Owing to the density of the cover into which the 
enemy retreated, it was difficult to ascertain their loss — but 
twenty were "found dead, and probably twice that number 
were wounded. The enemy's force had consisted of about 
200 soldiers, besides some boatmen pressed by Colonel Salas 
into his service. Two officers were taken prisoners, who 
were sent on board the ships, and seven men were captured, 
who were distributed among the boats, to act as pilots in 
their perilous descent of the river. This, however, was 
fortunately accomplished without any accident. Captain 
Loch, besides the officers already mentioned, speaks in his 
despatch of Mr. Martin, purser of the ' Alarm,' who 
accompanied him in his gig, and was of the greatest value 
and assistance ; of Mr. Collins, purser of the ' Vixen,' who 
was a volunteer in the head-quarter port paddle-box boat ; 
the Hon. H. A. Moreton, mate of the ■ Alarm,' who com- 
manded the pinnace ; Mr. Tyler, mate of the same ship ; 
Mr. "N. C. B. Turner, midshipman of ' Yixen,' who was 
badly wounded ; and Mr. F. A. Dewdney, midshipman, also 
of ' Yixen.' The British loss consisted of two men killed 
and one officer and twelve men wounded. 

From the dangers to which the party were exposed, and 
the difficulties they overcame, this affair may well be con- 
sidered as one of the most gallant among those we have to 
record. 



( 248 ) 



EECAPTUEE OF THE BRIG- " THEEE SISTEES " 
EEOM THE EIEE PIEATES, 

BY H.M.S. * POLYPHEMUS,' COMMANDER J. M'CLEVERTY, 

1848. 

The empire of Morocco, occupying the north-west corner 
of the African coast, and lying between the 28th and 36th 
degrees of north latitude, is divided into the kingdoms 
of Suse, Morocco, and Eey, which again are subdivided into 
provinces. The inhabitants of the province of Eiff, border- 
ing on the Mediterranean, have always been notorious pirates, 
and are supposed to have destroyed many merchant vessels 
which have not been heard of after approaching that coast. 
They are a singularly fine race of men, well formed, active, 
and powerful, and prove somewhat untractable subjects of 
the empire. The circumstances which led to the gallant 
affair now to be recorded are as follows : — ■ 

On the 31st October, 1848, the merchant brig ' Three 
Sisters,' left Gibraltar with a cargo of gunpowder and bale 
goods for Malta. She was becalmed on the second day off 
Cape Tres-Eorcas, and while in this helpless condition several 
boats were observed pulling towards her from the shore, 
each boat pulling from ten to fourteen oars, with extra hands 
standing in midships with their long muskets, all ready for 
action; and large guns on their gunwales. Soon compre- 
hending their intentions, and that there was no hope of de- 
fending his ship, the master ordered his crew into their boat, 
and boldly put out to open sea, as the only chance of pre- 
serving their lives. The pirates fired a volley at the retreat- 
ing crew, none of whom were touched ; and for about ten 
minutes one of the boats chased them, the rest remaining 



RECAPTURE OF THE ' THREE SISTERS.' 249 

abreast of the ship firing at her from a distance, and even- 
tually towing her into a bay ten or twelve miles to the west- 
ward of Cape Tres-Forcas. Making towards the Spanish 
coast, the boat was picked up by the brig ' Dawn,' and the 
intelligence conveyed without delay to the owners at 
Gibraltar. They immediately communicated it to Comman- 
der James M'Cleverty, of H. M. steam sloop ' Polyphemus,' 
requesting him to take such steps as he thought necessary. 
The same evening the ' Polyphemus' started to the Biff coast, 
and at daylight ran into Al Khoyamich Bay, and coasted 
from thence close to the shore towards Cape Tres Forcas, 
for the purpose of discovering the brig, should she have been 
taken to the westward. At eleven a.m., on the 8th of 
November, on opening the Point of Calla Tramontana, she 
was discovered anchored close to the shore, in a small bay, 
partly surrounded by an amphitheatre of precipices, high 
rocks, and ravines, all of which places were crowded with 
men, armed with long muskets, evidently for the purpose of 
protecting the brig, which lay considerably within musket- 
shot range. 

Their boats, seven in number, were hauled upon the beach, 
and in the mouths of caverns, with a strong party of armed 
men, lying under cover for the protection of part of the cargo, 
which they had landed. Their whole force appeared to con- 
sist of at least 500 men. As the ' Polyphemus ' neared the 
brig, a fire of musketry was opened upon her from all points, 
which she returned with grape, canister and musketry, 
sending the pirates flying about in all directions to take up 
more secure positions. Having dislodged them from the 
beach, Lieut. Alan H. Gardner volunteered to take the 
cutter, with a hawser, and weigh the brig's anchor, so as to 
take her in tow. Just at this time a fire was opened from 
a gun, supposed to be a 6 or 9-pounder, and as the stern of 
the steamer was unavoidably towards the nearest point of 
low rocks, and therefore she could make no return, the 
pirates were encouraged to approach quite close, and open a 
well-directed fire of musketry, which unfortunately severely 



250 EECAPTUEE OF THE ' THREE SISTERS.' 

wounded Lieut. Edward "Wasey, and slightly two seamen on 
board the ship ; and one seaman severely in the cutter. 
Nevertheless Lieut. Grardner performed his mission gallantly, 
and having taken the brig in tow, the ' Polyphemus ' steamed 
to sea. Captain M'Cleverty refrained from landing to burn 
the boats, as from the secure position taken up by so large a 
body of well-armed men, it would inevitably have been 
attended with great loss of life to the British, and they had 
already been rendered unserviceable by the fire of the 
steamer's great guns. 



( 251 ) 



ACTION WITH THE RIEE PIRATES, 

BY H.M.S. FRIGATE ' JANUS,' COMMANDER POWELL, 

1851. 

The Moorish pirates soon forgot the severe lesson they had 
received from the fire of the ' Polyphemus,' and continued 
their depredations. Amongst other vessels captured in 1851, 
were the schooner l Emelia,' and the brigantine ' Violet.' 
The latter had carried away her fore-top-mast, and as it was 
blowing fresh, she stretched across to get under shelter of 
the Riff coast. "When within 15 miles of it, she was be- 
calmed about one o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, 5th 
October. Eour boats then rowed towards them with about 
150 men : when about 300 yards off, they lay to on their oars 
to ascertain whether the brig was armed, and being satisfied 
on this point, they towed up alongside, two boats on the 
port and two on the starboard side, and hailed to ask whether 
the brig were Erench or English, at the same time com- 
mencing so hot a fire that the crew could not get aft to 
hoist the ensign. 

The master was badly wounded, and a seaman shot dead ; 
and, after searching the vessel, the pirates gave the crew 
charge of her, to take her into the land. Seven more boats 
came out to meet them, all well armed, and a scuffle ensued 
amongst the pirates, as to who should take possession, which 
ended in one man out of each boat coming on board, and the 
rest taking the vessel in tow. After three days and three 
nights, they reached a bay where the crew were ordered to 
let go the anchor, and furl sails. They were then sold to a 
chief Shereef Alhadary, who came on board, and who treated 
them with humanity, and would have sent them back to their 



252 ACTION WITH THE RIFF PIRATES. 

vessel had not his people threatened to shoot them. The 
master died of his wounds, and the owner of the brig also. 

The fonr surviving seamen were marched to the chief's 
honse. In the mean time rumours of the capture of the two 
vessels had reached Gibraltar, and H. M.'s steam frigate 
' Janus,' Commander Powell, started from Gibraltar on the 
17th October, and reached the Riff coast on the 18th. She 
found the ' Emelia' a wreck on the beach, stripped by the 
Moors, and after totally destroying the piratical boats with 
shot and shell, set out for Cape Tres-Porcas. There she 
found the ribs of the ' Violet,' and prepared immediately to 
attack the pirate fleet; but the overwhelming numbers of 
the pirates compelled the British to re-embark and return to 
their ship, Avhich during the contest had been firing shot and 
shell. Commander Powell was severely though not dange- 
rously wounded, and seven men were also wounded, four of 
them dangerously. Through the intervention of H. B. M.'s 
Consul at Tangiers, Mr. H. Drummond Hay, the survivors 
of the ' Violet ' were at length liberated, and embarked on 
board H. M.'s ship ' Dragon,' to be conveyed to Gibraltar on 
the 10th January. 



( 253 ) 



DESTRUCTION OF PIEATE FLEET, 

BY COMMANDER FARQUHAR, 
July, 1849. 

The efforts of Sir James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, to 
establish a peaceable and commercial community on the 
coasts of Borneo, had been greatly impeded by the san- 
guinary onslaughts of bands of pirates, who massacred or 
led into captivity all who came in their way, burning their 
ships and villages, and committing the most horrible bar- 
barities. 

The season when those worst of barbarians, the pirates of 
the Indian seas, commence their operations having arrived, 
and their fleets being known to be at sea, an expedition was 
prepared to chastise them. The force consisted of Her Ma- 
jesty's brigs 'Albatross' and ' Royalist,' H.E.I.C. steamer 
' Nemesis,' and the steam-tender ' Ranee,' under the orders 
of Commander Earquhar. To these was joined a native 
flotilla under Rajah Brooke. The force took up a position 
across the mouth of the Sarebas River, the inhabitants of 
which district were known to have been marked out for mas- 
sacre. In this position they remained until the evening of 
the 30th, when tidings were brought that the pirates had 
attacked Palo, and after threatening destruction to the inha- 
bitants unless they supplied them with salt, had gone to a 
river named Si Maring, where they were then lying. On 
the evening of the 31st, the ' Ular,' one of the scout-boats, 
arrived with the intelligence that the pirate fleet was ad- 
vancing in full force. In about 15 minutes all Avere in mo- 
tion to meet them, the * Nemesis ' proceeding seaward to 
command them, and prevent their escape to sea. As soon as 



254 DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE FLEET. 

she was descried by [the pirates, they made at once for the 
Kaluka River, where their progress was intercepted by the 
native boats, and those commanded by Lieutenants Welms- 
hnrst and Everest. The pirates then, as a dernier resort, 
made a dash to reach their own river, when they came in 
immediate contact with the men-of-war boats, and the action 
became general. It was now dark, and the great danger was 
that of firing into each other, or into the native allies. The 
pass-word selected was " Rajah," and the Malays screamed 
this out at the top of their voices when they thought any of 
the Europeans were near them. Commander Earquhar, who 
directed the operations, was in the midst of the melee, giving 
orders, and exhorting the crews of the various boats to be 
careful and not to fire into each other. Two large prahus were 
seen by the Commander escaping seaward, and the steam- 
tender was ordered to chase ; the nearest one, having barely 
escaped one of her six-pounder rockets, made for the river, 
and met a pirate's doom. The ' Nemesis,' which had been 
dealing death and destruction to all around her, ran her 
down, and the scene which took place, as her crew, above 60 
in number, came in contact with the paddle-wheels, was 
fearful. A large Congreve rocket from the little steamer 
entered the prahu that had continued out to sea, and ren- 
dered her destruction complete. A signal was now made to 
close. 

A rapid running fire was kept up along the margin of the 
bay, which, having gradually subsided at half-past 12 on the 
morning of the 1st July, Commander Earquhar ordered 
the boats of the various vessels in tow ; and having sent the 
1 Ranee ' with despatches to Sir James Brooke, then in some 
part of the Kaluka River, commenced the ascent of the 
Sarebas, to prevent the escape of the pirates by the Rembas 
branch. At daylight the bay was one mass of wreck ; shields, 
spears, and portions of destroyed prahus extended as far as 
the eye could reach, whilst on the sandy spit which extends 
a considerable distance seaward, on the left bank of the 
Sarebas, were upwards of 70 prahus, which the natives were 



DESTRUCTION OF PIRATE FLEET. 255 

busy clearing of all valuables and destroying. The punishment 
inflicted on these fierce barbarians was most complete. Of 
120 prahus which are said to have started on the expedition, 
and all of which were in the bay on the preceding evening, 
more than 80 were destroyed, and the loss of life on their 
side must have been immense — scarcely under 1,200 men. 
On the part of the British, saving a few slight casualties, all 
were unscathed. No more convincing proof of the inhuman 
disposition of the pirates need be cited than the fact, that the 
bodies of women were found on the beach decapitated and 
gashed from the shoulder to the foot. These are supposed 
to have been captives taken by the pirates in the expedition 
from which they were returning. The force having rejoined, 
sailed up the river, and destroyed a piratical town, some vil- 
lages and war-prahus ; they then passed up the Hejang E-iver, 
and severely chastised the natives, who were known to be 
addicted to piracy. Some prisoners were secured, among 
whom was a child apparently of European origin. In other 
districts hostages were taken for the future peaceable de- 
meanour of the inhabitants. It was hoped that this severe 
example would check their piratical habits effectually, and 
give an opportunity to the nascent civilization of those re- 
gions to develop itself. Nevertheless the occurrence gave 
rise to severe animadversions at home, and it was represented 
in some quarters as an unjustifiable massacre, dictated by 
motives personal to Sir James Brooke. 



( 256 ) 



THE DESTRUCTION OF LAGK)S, 

December 26th, 1851. 
DESCRIPTION OF LAGOS. 

The town of Lagos, built at the mouth of the River Ogun, 
which debouches in the Bight of Benin, is a healthy place, 
and well situated for trade. It is the seaport also of Abbeo- 
kuta, a town of considerable dimensions, 60 miles inland 
from it, and which it is hoped will become a very important 
place now that Lagos is open for legal commerce. The 
River Ogun is navigable for vessels for some burden as 
high as Abbeokuta, but it was formerly entirely closed by 
the people of Lagos to all trade except that in slaves. Ab- 
beokuta is in the Toruba country, a most fertile tract, far 
larger than England, and it is about 150 miles from Abomey, 
the capital of Dahomey, while Lagos is on the other side of 
it. Clapperton, who passed through the country in 1825, 
describes it as rich and fertile, well supplied with native 
manufactures, and free from the curse of the slave-trade, the 
people living happily in perfect peace and security. Shortly 
afterwards, however, it was ravaged by slave-trade wars, and 
the peace and prosperity he witnessed was succeeded by the 
most frightful atrocities and devastation. "Within the last 
30 years not a single house stood at Abbeokuta ; the natural 
strength of its situation, however, pointed it out as a place 
of refuge from the curse that was desolating the country, and 
the remnant of the population of no less than 130 towns 
assembled together for mutual security. Abbeokuta now 
contains at least 50,000 inhabitants. 

Since 1839 the gradual diminution of the slave-trade 
effected by the British squadron had favoured the progress 



DESCRIPTION OF LAGOS. 257 

of agriculture, and secured another interval of rest and 
peace for the country ; when, in 1840, a movement com. 
menced, which appears to be providentially directed to exer- 
cise a powerful influence over the destinies of Africa. 

A very large number of the Toruba tribe, who during 
the wars spoken of had been shipped as slaves at Lagos, 
were captured by English cruizers, and liberated in Sierra 
Leone, where they imbibed the habits of civilized life, while 
their hearts still yearned towards their native land. 

In 1840, fifteen of the Toruba people were deputed by the 
rest to visit their country, in order to obtain information re- 
lative to its state. They landed at Lagos, where they were 
treated with great cruelty by the slave-dealers. They were 
robbed of their property, and some lives were lost. The 
remainder escaped into the interior, and reached Abbeokuta, 
which, to their surprise, they found had sprung up on a spot 
where no habitation had existed formerly. They then em- 
barked at Badagry, and returned to Sierra Leone, carrying 
with them the intelligence that the country was compara- 
tively safe, and that they had been most kindly received by 
the inhabitants. In 1841 a number of these people, club- 
bing together, returned to their native country, and others 
following, 3,000 British subjects are now settled in Abbeo- 
kuta, and others at Badagry, the only available seaport to it 
while Lagos prevented the navigation of the Ogan. 

In 1845 the Church Missionary Society formed an establish- 
ment at Abbeokuta, under the title of the Yoruba Mission, 
with a branch at Badagry, and far distant from British pro- 
tection, six or seven missionaries are now devoting their 
lives to the great work Providence has opened to them in 
the heart of Africa. 

The Rev. Samuel Crowther, one of the mission, is himself 
a native of the Toruba country. In a midnight attack upon 
his town, when quite a child, he was carried off as a slave. 
The vessel he was shipped in was captured by a British 
cruiser, and after being liberated at Sierre Leone, he was 
educated at the Church Missionary school. He then became 



258 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

a schoolmaster ; and, after several years' trial, he was sent 
to England for ordination, and then proceeded to his native 
land to Christianize his feUow-countryinen. One of the 
first persons he met was his ovm mother, and she was his 
first convert. Thns by the wonderful dispensation of Pro- 
vidence, slaves torn from their homes and their country 
have traversed 1,500 miles by sea, to return Christian and 
civilized men, and to spread these blessings over the land of 
their birth. 

Now as the power of the king of Dahomey depends on the 
success of his slave wars, which have been the source of 
his wealth, the influence Abbeokuta was spreading adverse 
to the slave-trade was too important to be longer neglected, 
and he therefore, with a great army, suddenly appeared 
before its walls in March, 1851. The attack, however, was 
expected, and the Dahoman army was utterly defeated. 

This event was followed by an attack on Badagry by the 
chief of Lagos, when an Englishman and a Krooman were 
killed, and a large amount of English property destroyed. 
Since his defeat the king of Dahomey had been preparing for 
the destruction of Abbeokuta, in which he was to be aided 
by the chief of Lagos. The people of Lagos had long been 
trained to arms in their habitual slave wars, and they pos- 
sessed at least 5,000 muskets and 60 pieces of cannon. 

Erom these facts, added to which they had 100 armed 
canoes, we may estimate the enormous power of mischief 
possessed by Lagos over the comparatively defenceless 
country around. It therefore, for the cause of humanity, 
became very important that a check should be given to the 
proceeding of the chief of Lagos. Indeed, as a nest of 
piracy and plunder, the destruction of Lagos was a duty 
owing by civilized nations to themselves. Indeed, the treat- 
ment of the liberated Africans in 1840, the destruction of 
English life and property at Badagry, and the constant 
buying and selling of the people of Sierra Leone, and other 
outrages, loudly called for redress. Indeed, common justice 
to the heroic devotion of British officers and men at Lagos 



DESCRIPTION OF LAGOS. 259 

requires that the great importance of this enterprise should 
be fully understood by the people of England, who have so 
long demanded the suppression of the slave-trade, and who 
will not fail to appreciate the gallant struggle which has 
struck the death-blow to the last remnant of the crime over 
2,500 miles of coast. 

The more immediate cause of the attack on Lagos appears 
to have been in consequence of an application made for 
assistance by Akitoye, the lawful chief of Lagos, to Mr. 
Beecroffc, the British Consul for the Bights of Benin, residing 
at Fernando Po. 

Akitoye, the younger of two brothers, had, by his father's 
will, succeded as king of Lagos. The elder Kosoko had been, 
for misbehaviour, banished. After the death of the old king, 
Akitoye recalled Kosoko, and took him into favour; but 
Kosoko, bribing the army, usurped the government and drove 
Akitoye to take refuge at Badagry. On this Kosoko pre- 
pared to attack Badagry, and had he been successful would 
doubtlessly, as he intended, have attacked Abbeokuta also, 
and given a blow to the advance of Christianity and civili- 
zation in Africa, from which it would have taken her long 
to recover. On this account Mr. Beecroft felt it his duty 
to apply to the senior officer on the coast for a force to 
destroy Lagos, his movements being hurried by hearing that 
the king of Dahomey had sent 1,000 picked troops for its 
support. 



s2 



260 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 



FIRST EXPEDITION TO LAGOS, AND ATTACK ON THE 
' BLOODHOUND ' AND BOATS OF THE SQUADRON BY THE 
FOLLOWERS OF KOSOKO. 

After Akitoye had escaped to Badagry, when he was in 
danger of being pnrsned by his brother, he applied to Mr. 
Beecroft for British protection, if not for assistance to restore 
hhn to his government. The Commodore, on receiving Mr. 
Beecroft' s report, and believing that Kosoko would not 
venture to offer any annoyance, despatched the ' Bloodhound,' 
with a few boats in tow, to accompany Mr. Beecroft, with 
a flag-of-truce up the river Ogan to Lagos, the seat of his 
government. Mr, Beecroft was directed to represent to 
Kosoko that he came as a messenger of peace to advise and 
negotiate with him, but in no way to commit any act of 
hostility. Indeed the strength of the squadron of boats 
was totally inadequate for any such purpose. Kosoko, 
however, somewhat naturally, did not comprehend this 
system of proceeding. Seeing a steamer and eighteen armed 
boats coming up towards his town, he disregarded the flag- 
of-truce, and became firmly impressed with the idea that 
they had hostile intentions. Instantly collecting his war- 
canoes, a very considerable and formidable fleet was got 
together to retard the advance of the supposed enemy, while 
the barracoons at the side of the river and every available 
spot was lined with his troops, well armed with muskets, 
and possessed of no small number of great guns. As the 
' Bloodhound' and boats, therefore, advanced up the river, 
in spite of the flag-of-truce, they encountered a severe fire 
from the concealed batteries along the whole line of the 
shore. Still steadily on they went, returning the fire with 
interest from their own guns till they got abreast of the 
town. A desperate and gallant dash was then made for the 



DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 261 

shore. Some of the stockades were carried, the enemy 
driven back, and the town entered and fired ; but again the 
negroes rallied and came down in overwhelming numbers on 
the British. It was soon evident that their force was ina- 
dequate to hold the place : two officers were already killed 
and several men wounded. Unwillingly, therefore, they 
were compelled to retreat, and gaining their boats, pulled 
out of gun-shot, and anchored till the following morning. 
They then left the river, well assured that the treachery of 
Kosoko would speedily be punished. 



SECOND ATTACK ON AND DESTKUCTION OF LAGOS, 
December 26th, 1851. 

The first expedition against Lagos having failed solely from 
want of sufficient force to keep possession of the town, Com- 
modore Bruce resolved, as soon as he could collect a sufficient 
number of vessels, to send one of ample strength and 
thoroughly organized, which should not fail to drive the 
slave- dealing chief, Kosoko, from his stronghold. 

The British squadron which, towards the end of December, 
the commodore had assembled off Lagos, consisted of H.M. S. 
' Penelope,' 46, flag-ship of Commodore Bruce, Captain H. 
Lyster ; H. M. S. ' Sampson,' 68, Captain Lewis T. Jones ; 
H.M.S. < Waterwitch,' 8, Commander A. Gardner ; H.M.S. 
1 Volcano,' 5, Commander Coote ; H. M. S. ' Harlequin,' 
Commander "Wilmot ; H. M. S. ' Bloodhound,' Lieut. Patey, 
tender to ' Sampson ;' H. M. S. ' Teazer,' 2, Lieut. Leckie, 
tender to ' Penelope ;' H. M. S. ' Sealark,' 8, Commander 
Edward J. Southeby. The smaller of these vessels were 
able to cross the bar of the river, while the rest furnished an 
ample supply of boats for the expedition. The command 
was given to Captain Lewis T. Jones, of the ' Sampson,' 
with Captain Henry Lyster, of the c Penelope,' as his second, 
both volunteers on the occasion. They were accompanied 



262 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

by Commander Hillyar, of the ' Penelope,' and Lient. Sau- 
marez, of the • Sampson.' An iron boat with rockets, be- 
longing to Mr. Beecroft, which was also sent, was commanded 
by Lient. John Corbett, and two paddle-box boats, by Lieute- 
nants Edward Marshall and F. D. Rich. Everything being 
ready by the 23rd of December, Captain L. T. Jones an- 
chored the ' Sampson ' at the back of the surf, in the most 
advantageous position for throwing shells occasionally across 
the lagoon into the town. He then crossed the bar of the 
Ogan with the boats of the ' Sampson ' and some of the 
other vessels, preceded by the ' Bloodhound,' and anchored 
off Point Bruce for the night. On the morning of the 24th, 
on landing on the shore some way from the town, he found 
Mr. Beecroft with the ex-king, Akitoye, who had arrived just 
before, bringing with him from Badagry and Abbeokuta 
some 500 men; while others, who came in through the 
course of the day, made their numbers amount in all to 640. 
Having mustered and inspected these troops, Captain Jones 
distributed to them, as a mark of recognition, a white neck- 
tie, with which they seemed much pleased. He likewise 
ordered that they should be supplied with three days' bread 
from the ' Bloodhound.' 

At 2 p.m. the ' Bloodhound ' weighed, and crossed to the 
opposite side of the river, where the boats of the ' Sampson,' 
under the orders of Lieut. Thomas Saumarez, were sent to 
launch all the canoes at the slave-station on the left bank 
worth bringing off. At 3 Lieut. Saumarez returned, having 
in a very short time launched seven large and two small 
canoes — a most desirable acquisition for the conveyance of 
the auxiliary forces. The landing party was covered by the 
guns of the ' Bloodhound,' firing to the right and left, and 
over the heads of the men, to check the advance of an armed 
force seen from the mast-head approaching. This service 
accomplished, the ' Bloodhound' dropped up the stream with 
the tide, for the purpose of gaining a knowledge of the navi- 
gation of the river, and of examining the lines of defence. 
The line of sea-defence extended from the south point of the 



DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 263 

island of Lagos to the north point, along the west point, a 
distance of nearly two miles ; and in parts where the water 
was sufficiently deep for boats to land, stakes, in double 
rows, were driven in 6-feet water ; and along the whole of 
this distance an embankment and ditch for the protection of 
infantry, and at chosen points exceedingly strong stockades, 
made from stout cocoa-nut trees, were erected for guns, the 
guns being laid for the difficult points of the passage. 
Twenty-five guns were found to be so placed. As the 
' Bloodhound ' ascended the river, three guns from the south 
end of the island opened on her, the fire being very well 
directed, but faulty in elevation. As her commander now 
knew the channel, he was able to return under steam. At 
3"30 p.m., she, according to agreement, accompanying the 
boats of the ' Penelope,' was seen crossing the bar ; and at 5 
the ' Bloodhound ' and ' Teazer ' anchored near together, out 
of range of the enemy's shot. Captain Lyster, then on 
board the ' Bloodhound,' arranged with Captain Jones the 
plan of attack. They decided that the auxiliaries should 
keep on the right bank of the river, proceeding up as the 
steam-vessels advanced; then that the steamers and boats 
should pass the line of defences as quickly as possible ; and 
then, keeping round the north of the island, should at that 
point make the grand attack. It was there that the king 
Kosoko and the slave-dealers resided ; and it was considered 
right that they should be the first to receive punishment. 
The day was now too far advanced to commence the attack ; 
and the following day, the 25th, being Christmas-day, it was 
resolved that it should be spent as quietly as possible, and 
be a day of rest. This it was, except that the enemy wasted 
a vast quantity of ammunition by firing their guns at the 
squadron, which was far beyond their range. 

At dawn of day on the 26th the ' Bloodhound ' weighed, 
accompanied by the ' Sampson's ' boats in two divisions, the 
one preceding, the other following, and proceeded up the 
river. The ' Teazer ' came directly after her, with the boats 
of the ' Penelope ' arranged in the same order, and accom- 



2 64 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

parried by Mr. Beecroft's iron boat ' Victor,' fitted for 
rockets. As soon as the vessels got within range, the enemy 
opened a fire of great gnns and musketry from the whole 
line of the embankment, which was filled with men ; but so 
well sheltered were they, that the muzzles of their muskets 
only were visible. This fire was returned by the steamers 
with their great guns only, and though with very beautiful 
precision, yet with very little apparent effect ; indeed, from 
the soft nature of the green wood of which the stockades 
were composed, the shot could not do them much injury, 
while the guns themselves, being retired, could not be seen. 
At 7*20 a.m. the ' Bloodhound ' and her division of boats 
had passed the north-west point, and in trying to get round 
the north point, grounded in 8 feet. The black pilot, John 
Johns, was in no respect to blame for this, as the channel 
had filled up since he was there last. Mr. Beecroft, who 
was on board with his interpreter Richards, had also been 
assisting in piloting the steamer. She had hitherto carried 
three fathom all the way up ; but now, on sounding, it was 
found impossible to get further. Anchors were, therefore, 
immediately laid out to heave her off. During this time a 
very beautiful and deliberate fire was kept up from her 
18-pounder, directed by Mr. Barry, the gunner, and from 
her 12-pounder howitzer by Lieut. M' Arthur, R.M.A., with 
shrapnel and common shells, by which means the enemy's 
great guns abreast of her were silenced. JNothing, however, 
could put an end to the perpetual showers of musketry 
which the blacks kept discharging at the vessel. The greater 
part of the balls, however, fell short ; but every now and 
then one or two would fall on board, and hit the men slightly. 
As they were of necessity very much exposed, very few 
escaped a slight touch. Meantime the 'Teazer,' in fol- 
lowing the ' Bloodhound,' had also grounded at a consider- 
able distance from her, so that the two vessels could afford 
no support to each other. "While the ' Bloodhound ' re- 
mained on shore, the division of boats under Captain Jones 
continued to throw shot and shell as any movement was 



DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 265 

observed on shore, and to check the operations of the enemy, 
who had succeeded in bringing a gnn nnder shelter to bear, 
the shot at each discharge coming nearer and nearer, though 
the gun itself could not be seen. At 10 a.m. Captain Jones 
despatched Lieut. T. Saumarez in command of the ' Samp- 
son's ' gun-boats, viz., first and second life-boats and pinnace, 
round the north-east point, to ascertain the strength and 
position of the guns on that side the island. As they neared 
the stockades, a fire from four guns in a strong position was 
immediately opened on them. This fire was returned from 
the life-boats and pinnace by the 24 and 12-pound howitzers 
with such good effect as to have upset and turned out of its 
carriage one of these guns. 

The object of ascertaining the position of the guns on the 
north-east side being attained, the boats were recalled, as it 
became requisite to reserve the ammunition and shells for 
the grand assault, when the other division under Captain 
Lyster should have joined. 

As the fire from gingals, petrals, and muskets continued 
from the ditch and embankment abreast of the ship, and as 
the enemy were observed trying to bring their guns into 
position, at 2'30 Lieut. Thomas Saumarez, with the boats of 
the ' Sampson,' accompanied by Lieut. E. M' Arthur, E.M.A., 
in command of the marine artillery, was despatched to at- 
tempt a landing and to spike the guns. They did all that 
men could do ; but it was found impossible to make their 
way through the showers of musketry opened against them. 
Mr. Richards, a gallant young midshipman, was mortally 
wounded, and 10 men severely wounded ; while so hot was 
the fire, that there seemed every prospect of the whole party 
being cut oif. Still they bravely persevered. "While un- 
daunted efforts were being made to get on shore, Mr. William 
J. Stivey,* carpenter of the ' Sampson,' setting a noble ex- 
ample, which others followed, leaped on shore, and, axe in 
hand, hewed manfully away at the stakes to make a passage 

* ' ' He is one of those men always where he is wanted," says Captain 
Jones, in his despatch to the Admiral. 



266 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

for the boats to go through them. All, however, was in 
vain ; their numbers were thinning rapidly, and at length 
Lieut. Saumarez himself, being hit in three places, reluc- 
tantly, but very properly, gave the signal for return. The 
remainder of the day was spent in throwing shot and shell, 
as circumstances required, so as to prevent any guns being 
moved against the steamer. The nearest shot passed about 
10 yards astern of her. 

We must now return to the ' Teazer,' and the operations 
connected with her. As soon as she grounded, Captain 
Lyster ordered the anchor to be run out immediately, and 
kept up a steady fire from the ship and boats. At half-past 
8 the water seemed to rise, and all the exertions of her own 
crew, and the crews of the boats accompanying her, failed 
to get her off, up to this time her 32-pounder bore on the 
enemy's battery, and kept it in check, but it was not long 
before two guns were brought to a stockade, about a point 
on her quarter, and in a position which none of the ' Teazer' s ' 
guns could reach. These guns were admirably served, and 
it soon became evident that they would destroy the vessel 
before the tide rose again. Under these circumstances but 
one of two courses remained, either to blow up the ' Teazer,' 
to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, should the 
expedition have ultimately failed, or to land and destroy the 
guns annoying her. As may be supposed, Captain Lyster, 
supported by Commander Hillyar and the other officers with 
him, were not very long in deciding on the course to be 
pursued. ]Not a doubt existed on the minds of any of them 
of the success of the proposed plan, but all were aware of 
the great loss of life they would too probably suffer in carry- 
ing it into execution. The following boats were at once 
formed in line abreast, ready for the attack : — 

1, gig, Captain Lyster, Mr. Wroughton, midshipman ; 

2, whaleboat, Commander Hillyar, Mr. Park, midshipman ; 

3, 1st lifeboat, Lieut. P. Marshall, Mr. Puddicombe, mid- 
shipman ; 4, 2nd lifeboat, Lieut. E. D. Bich, Mr. B. Brown, 
naval cadet, Mr. Wilson, carpenter ; 5, Victoria (rocket- 



DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 267 

boat), Lieut. J. Corbett, Mr. Gillham, master's assistant, 
Mr. B. F. B. Clark, master's assistant, Mr. James Blight, 
boatswain ; 6, pinnace, Mr. H. Hathorn, mate ; 7, 1st 
cutter, Mr. S. B. Balfour, acting mate. Mr. H. A. Dewar, 
gunner ; 8, 2nd cutter, Mr. F. B. Fletcher, midshipman. 

All being ready, the boats, as before mentioned in line 
abreast, pulled in towards the stockade, where the best place 
for landing appeared to exist, keeping up all the time a 
continued fire of spherical, grape, and canister shot. As the 
boats touched the shore, they received a discharge directly 
in their faces, of some 1,500 muskets, but, notwithstanding 
this, they undauntedly landed, and forming on the beach, 
after some severe fighting they forced their way into the 
stockade, driving out the enemy, who fled into the thick 
bush close to the rear of it. Among those who landed and 
charged with Captain Lyster were Mr. Walling and Mr. 
Spruole, surgeons of the ' Penelope,' and who afterwards 
exposed themselves equally in their attendance on the 
wounded under fire. Scarcely had the blacks retreated than 
Lieut. Corbett rushed ahead, and spiked all the guns in the 
fort. 

This object being accomplished, Captain Lyster issued 
orders for the re-embarkation of the party, but scarcely had 
he done so, when it was discovered that the enemy having 
made a desperate rush at the 1st life-boat, had succeeded in 
getting hold of her, and were tracking her along the beach 
towards the spot where the guns were posted which had 
first opened on the ' Teazer.' On seeing this, the British, 
headed by their gallant leader, Captain Lyster, hurried down 
to the shore for the purpose of retaking her, but some delay 
occurred in consequence of having to divide her crew of 
60 men among the other boats, which somewhat crowded 
them. The enemy, on seeing this, rushed back from their 
concealment in the woods, by swarms, and poured in a 
destructive crushing fire on the boats, at pistol range. On 
this occasion, a gallant young officer, Mr. F. B. Fletcher, 
midshipman, in command of the second cutter, and who had 
charge of the boats while on shore, was shot through the 



ZbS DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

head and killed. Several officers and men had before been 
wounded on shore, among whom was Lient. Williams of the 
Marine Artillery, who, though hit in three places, had con- 
tinued at the head of his men till they returned to the 
boats. Commander Hillyar was also wounded, and very 
many of the men were killed. Among the latter was James 
Webb, gunner's mate, belonging to the first life-boat. 
When he saw that she was likely to fall into the hands 
of the blacks, he made a desperate attempt to spike her guns, 
but while thus engaged, he was cut down by the enemy and 
mortally wounded. While Commander Hillyar was arrang- 
ing the boats, so that they might keep up their fire as they 
retreated to the ' Teazer,' some of the Kroomen on board 
Mr. Eeecroft's ' Victoria,' let go her anchor, and there she 
lay exposed entirely to the fire of the blacks. On seeing 
this Captain Lyster pulled back to her to learn what was 
the matter — " What has occurred now?" he asked of Mr. 
Bright, the boatswain. " The Kroomen let go the anchor 
without orders," he replied. " Then slip your cable and get 
out of this," exclaimed Captain Lyster. " It's a chain-cable, 
clenched to the bottom, and we can't unshackle it," replied 
Mr. Blight. On hearing this disheartening intelligence, 
Captain Lyster jumped on board to see what assistance he 
could render. Just then, Lieut. Corbett staggered up 
towards the stern, exclaiming, " I have done it, and am 
alive!" In truth, he had cut the chain-cable with a cold 
chisel, and in so doing, while leaning over the bows of the 
boat, had received five different wounds, which, with the 
addition of a severe one received on shore, rendered him 
almost helpless. His right arm was hanging to his side, 
but he still with his left worked away, and assisted in 
getting the ' Victoria' off to the ' Teazer.' While Captain 
Lyster was leaving the ' Victoria ' to get into his own boat, 
he was shot in the back with a musket-ball. On account of 
the hot fire to which they were still exposed, and the 
number of men already killed and wounded, he judged that 
he should not be justified in attempting to recover the 
life-boat on that occasion. Leaving her, therefore, on the 



DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 269 

beach, the party returned to the ' Teazer.' The people 
who had at first got possession of the life-boat had after- 
wards abandoned her, but they now returned, and some 40 
or 50 got into her, intending to carry her off. Seeing this, 
Mr. Balfour, acting-mate, assisted by Mr. Dewar, gunner, 
pulling back to the shore in the first cutter, threw a rocket 
towards her, and so well directed was it, that it entered her 
magazine, and blew it up. As soon as the party got back 
to the ' Teazer ' (having now pretty well silenced the fire of 
the enemy), they set to work to get all the provisions out 
of her, and then having thrown overboard all her coals, with 
the exception of 10 tons, they contrived to shore her up, to 
await the rising of the tide. At length their exertions were 
crowned with success, and at sunset they succeeded in 
heaving her off. Then getting up the steam, they anchored 
out of gun-shot for the night. 

On this unfortunate occasion there were no less than 
13 men killed belonging to H.M.S. ' Penelope,' besides 
Mr. Eletcher and Mr. H. M. Grillham, master's assistant, 
who afterwards died of his wounds ; while Captain Lyster, 
Commander Hillyar, Lieut. Corbett, and First-lieut. of Ma- 
rines, J. W. C. Williams, were wounded severely, together 
with 57 men of the ' Penelope,' and 2 of the ' Teazer,' 
most of them also very severely wounded. Crowded 
together in so small a vessel during the night, the poor 
fellows suffered severely, though the medical officers of the 
expedition, Mr. R. Carpenter, senior surgeon, Mr. "Walling, 
assistant- surgeon of ' Penelope,' Dr. Barclay, acting-surgeon, 
and Dr. Sproule, assistant-surgeon, exerted themselves to 
their very utmost in the performance of their duty on the 
wounded. During the day they had never flinched from 
exposing their own lives, as, in the midst of the fire, they 
stepped from boat to boat to alleviate the sufferings of the 
wounded and dying. 

Soon after 7 o'clock in the morning, the ' Teazer ' was 
got under weigh, and finding the right channel, steamed up 
towards the ' Bloodhood,' with the squadron of boats in her 



270 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

company. As soon as she was seen from the ' Bloodhound,' 
Captain Jones ordered that the guns of the ' Bloodhound's ' 
gun-boats, should open a deliberate flanking fire on the west 
part of the enemy's defences, and he then sent a boat under 
Mr. Bullen, his clerk, who was acting as his aid-de-camp, to 
point out to Captain Lyster the position in which he wished 
the ' Teazer ' to be anchored. At 8 • 10 the ' Teazer ' having 
anchored, Captain Jones pulled on board her, to consult 
further with Captain Lyster on their plan of proceeding. 
The rocket-boats were then ordered to take up a position 
to the northward of the ' Bloodhound.' This was quickly 
done, and Lieut. Marshall threw some rockets with beautiful 
effect, setting fire to several houses, among which, to the 
satisfaction of all, was that of the Prime Minister Tappis. 
When this was seen, a hearty and spontaneous cheer ran 
through the whole squadron for the crew of the rocket-boat 
who had thus punished the chief instigator of the former 
attack on the British boats. After this, the rocket-boat 
shifted her position ahead of the ' Teazer,' 'and a general 
but deliberate fire was opened from the whole force. At 
10 '45 Lieut. Marshall threw a rocket which struck the 
battery below Tappis' s house, and at the same time a shot 
from the ' Teazer ' capsized the gun. The firing became 
still more rapid — an awful explosion ensued — a magazine of 
the enemy's had blown up, and from this moment the fate 
of Lagos was decided, house after house caught fire, and the 
whole town was shortly in a general blaze. 

At half -past 10 A.^r., Commander Coote was seen coming up 
the river with theboatsof the 'Volcano,' and at a quarter before 
2 Commander Gardner, with the boats of the ' Waterwitch,' 
joined the expedition. At a quarter before 3, Commander 
Coote was despatched with the gun-boats of the squadron, 
and accompanied by the rocket-boat, to attack Kosoko's 
house, with directions, however, to fire only a few rounds, 
Captain Jones being unwilling further to destroy the town, 
which, it was very evident, must soon fall into the possession 
of the British and their allies. The boats being recalled, the 



DESTRUCTION OF LACOS. 271 

firing ceased, and a summons was sent to Kosoko, by a 
friendly chief, belonging to the Island of Eschalli, with a 
flag-of-truce, urging him to capitulate. He was allowed till 
Monday morning to consider the proposals of the British 
Commander. All acts of hostility were to cease till then. 

The following day was Sunday, and Captain Jones deter- 
mined to make it a day of rest, provided the enemy showed 
no signs of hostility. " He felt it" (as he observes) " as a 
national question that they should duly observe the Sabbath." 
Every preparation, however, was made for the final assault, 
which it was intended should take place on the following 
day, should Kosoko still reject the proffered terms. During 
the whole of the day canoes from the north-east side of 
Lagos were observed crossing to the island of Echalli, loaded 
with furniture and household goods, but they were not 
stopped, though a jolly-boat might have hindered them, as 
Captain Jones considered it a matter of no consequence on 
which side of the river the property of the inhabitants re- 
mained, especially that of persons flying for their lives. He 
also wished to show the people that the British had not come 
to plunder, but that their sole object was to stop the slave- 
trade. At 3 45 it was ascertained that Kosoko and his fol- 
lowers had abandoned the town, and fled into the woods. 
The women and children had been sent away some days 
before, and it now appeared that Akitoye and 2,000 had ab- 
sconded during the night in 50 or 60 canoes. Captain Jones 
therefore sent his aid-de-camp, Mr. Bullen, with the inter- 
preter, Bichard, to the chiefs of the auxiliary forces, desiring 
them to close with the canoes, and to escort the rightful 
King Akitoye to his house, and to instal him in office, pre- 
ferring that those who had remained faithful to him in ad- 
versity should have the satisfaction of acting as his body- 
guard in the hour of success. Akitoye, therefore, and the 
blacks, who had accompanied him from Abbeokuta, crossed 
the river, and took possession of those buildings which had 
escaped destruction. Fortunately a creek and swamp, running 
some two hundred yards inland from the river, had checked 



272 DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 

the flames, and saved the eastern part of the town. The 
only portion of the British forces landed was a small body, 
under Commander Coote, who went on shore to spike guns. 

The next morning he, with Commander Gardner and the 
boats of the ' Sampson' and 'Penelope,' were employed in a 
similar way. They returned in the afternoon, having by ex- 
traordinary exertions embarked or destroyed 52 pieces of 
ordnance. 

On examining the town, desolate as it now appeared, con- 
siderable cleverness was perceptible in the cunning methods 
devised for entrapping assailants into ambush. In fact the 
place in every respect was far stronger than was supposed, 
even when this second attack was planned. Every officer 
and man engaged in it deserves the greatest credit for their 
zeal, courage, and perseverance. There can be no doubt that 
its capture struck one of the severest blows the slave-trade 
has ever experienced; and that thus, though we must deplore 
the sad loss of so many valuable lives, and the amount of 
suffering experienced by the wounded, yet we must feel that 
these exertions and sufferings have not been thrown away, 
but have much advanced the cause of religion and civilization 
in Africa, and will aid in wiping away the darkest stain 
which exists on the present history of the world. 

Besides the killed and wounded already mentioned, Lieut. 
Thomas Saumarez, of the ' Sampson,' was severely wounded, 
and Mr. Thomas [Richards, midshipman, was killed, shot 
through the brain, while ten men belonging to the same ship 
were wounded. 

Captain Jones in his despatch especially mentions Capt. 
Lyster and Commander Hilly ar, neither of whom, though 
severely wounded, would return on board till they had seen 
the success of their exertions. He speaks also in high terms 
of Lieutenants Marshall, Rich, Corbett, and Saumarez ; of 
Mr. J. Cook, gunner of 'Sampson;' of Charles Blofield, 
boatswain's mate, who commanded the pinnace when there 
remained no officer to put into her ; of Greorge "Yule, gunner 
of Royal Marine Artillery, who served a 24in. howitzer in 



DESTRUCTION OF LAGOS. 273 

the first life-boat with admirable precision ; of Mr. Donelly, 
the surgeon of the ' Sampson,' who nearly lost his life in 
coming to the assistance of the wounded ; of Mr. Hacking, 
purser; and of Mr. Robert H. Eullen, who acted as his 
secretary and aid-de-camp, and " than whom," he observes, 
" no Lieutenant could have done better." 

It is to be hoped that Akitoye will not forget the lesson 
he may have learned at Abbeokuta, and that thus Lagos may 
be from henceforth as well known for its advancement in 
Christianity and civilization as it has hitherto been for its 
slave-dealing and wickedness. 



( 274 ) 



THE WAR WITH BTTRMAH, 
1851. 

CAUSES OF THE WAE. 

Although the war with Burmah must be considered rather 
as a military than a naval war, yet as our ships and steamers 
have been actively engaged in it from the commencement, 
and our navy have taken a prominent part in the operations 
even on shore, we are bound to devote a portion of our work 
to the description of its progress. 

The Burmese empire is situated on the north-east portion 
of India, embracing most of those regions known as India 
beyond the Ganges. In the years 1824 and 1825, a cam- 
paign was undertaken by the British Government against 
the Burmese, known as the Burmese War, when the pro- 
vinces of Arracan, Mart ab an, Tavoy, and Tenasserim were 
ceded to us. 

The Burmese Empire is about 600 miles long, and 300 in 
width. Its capitals are Ava and Ameerapura. 

Its principal port is Bangoon, a very nourishing place, situ- 
ated about 36 miles from the sea, on the right or north bank 
of a branch of the Irrawaddy. On account of its facilities for 
trade, many English merchants had settled there. Towards 
the middle of the year 1851 numerous complaints had 
reached the supreme Grovernment of Calcutta of the oppres- 
sive tyranny of the Governor of Bangoon, directed, it ap- 
peared, chiefly against British subjects residing at or trading 
to Bangoon. 

The more immediate cause of British interference was the 



CAUSES OF THE WAR. 275 

conduct of the Governor towards Captains Shippard and 
Lewis, the latter especially, he had placed in irons, insulted, 
heavily fined, and otherwise ill-treated. These proceedings 
were in direct violation of the Ninth Article of the Treaty of 
Tandaboo, which enacts " that the King of Ava will abolish 
all exaction upon British ships or vessels in Burinan ports 
that are not required from Burmese ships or vessels in 
British ports; nor shall ships or vessels, the property of 
British subjects, whether European or Indian, entering the 
Bangoon river or other Burman ports, be required to land 
their guns, or unship their rudders, or do any other act not 
required of Burmese ships or vessels in British ports." 

The Government, in consequence, resolved to demand 
reparation for the infraction of the treaty, and despatched 
accordingly, on the 18th November, 1851, H. M. S. ' Fox,' 
flag-ship of Commodore Lambert, Commander Tarleton, and 
the H. C. steamer ' Tenasserim,' from Calcutta, which were 
joined at Maulmain by the H. C. steamer ' Proserpine,' and 
H. M. S. ' Serpent,' when the squadron proceeded at once to 
Bangoon, off which they moored on the 25th of the same 
month. On the next day, Commodore Lambert received a 
message from the Governor, ordering him to remove his 
vessels further down the stream : to this the Commodore re- 
plied, " That Her Majesty's ships were in the habit of 
choosing the position that best suited themselves." No 
further communication took place with the shore during the 
day. This excited the surprise of the Commodore, and ac- 
cordingly early the next morning, he despatched Captain 
Latter to ascertain the reason. Captain Latter, of the 67th 
Native Infantry, had come in a political capacity, in conse- 
quence of his perfect knowledge of the Burmese language. 
He returned with the Bev. Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Birrell, who 
stated that the Governor had threatened to behead any 
European who should communicate with the squadron. 
Notwithstanding this, several residents came off to explain 
their grievances to the Commodore. He had before written a 
despatch to the Governor, demanding a letter of apology, and 



276 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

10,000 rupees as damages for the injuries received by British 
subjects ; but from the representations he had now received, 
he considered this not sufficient, and he therefore wrote 
another, stating why he had come, but that from the gravity 
of the complaints made to him, he must refer the matter to 
the G-overnor- General of India in Council, and await his 
further instructions. 

This letter was sent by a deputation, consisting of Captain 
Tarleton, Commander of H. M. S. ' Pox ;' Captain Latter, 
Lieut. Elliot, and Mr. Southey, as secretary. They were 
received by a guard, with sufficient state, but when they 
arrived at the outer gate of the Governor's palace, an attempt 
was made to compel them to dismount. As this is considered 
a token of inferiority in the East, Commander Tarleton boldly 
refused to do so, and riding to the foot of the stairs, was 
ushered at once into a handsomely decorated hall of audience, 
filled with a number of chiefs in rich dresses, and gaudily 
accoutred soldiers. Here the officers were desired to seat 
themselves, and wait the Governor's arrival, but this Com- 
mander Tarleton refused to do, and standing with the Com- 
modore's letter in his hand, demanded that the Governor 
should at once be informed of his arrival, that he might per- 
form his duty and depart. In ten minutes the Governor 
appeared, very plainly dressed, and smoking a cigar, though 
surrounded by several officers in magnificent costume, with 
gold chains round their necks. Commander Tarleton in- 
stantly walked up to him, accompanied by Captain Latter, and 
after the last mentioned had in a few words introduced the 
subject they had come on, he took the Commodore's letter 
which Commander Tarleton handed him, and first reading it 
aloud in English, translated it in a clear and decisive tone 
into Burmese. The boldness of the British officers very 
much astonished the Governor and the chiefs, and still more 
astonished were they when refusing all their proffered civili- 
ties, the deputation returned at once on board. 

The following day the Deputy- Governor paid the Commo- 
dore a visit, and stated that it would require five weeks to 



CAUSES OF THE WAR. 277 

receive an answer from the conrt of Ava. As might have 
been expected, the Burmese nsed every stratagem to hood- 
wink the British, and to procrastinate matters till they were 
prepared for resistance. 

The Emperor's letter arrived, and was delivered with great 
pomp, on the 1st of January, 1852, and at first it was hoped 
that affairs might be peaceably arranged. On the 4th a new 
Governor arrived, but on the 6th it was found that he in- 
tended to carry ont the system of his predecessor with 
greater rigour. One of his first acts was to order Mr. Birrell 
to lower a flag-staff erected in his garden, nnder pretence 
that it was nsed to carry on a secret communication with 
the squadron. The Commodore, still anxious to give no 
cause of complaint, desired him to comply with the order ; 
but as afterwards the Viceroy (as the new Governor was 
called) refused to receive a deputation, consisting of Capt. 
Eishbourne, of H.M.S. ' Hermes,' Capt. Latter, and other 
officers sent by the Commodore, after he had actually agreed 
to do so, the Commodore sent a circular into the city, stating 
that all further pacific relations were impossible, and warning 
all foreigners to quit the place, and advising them to put 
themselves nnder the protection of the British flag, pro- 
mising them at the same time every assistance in his power. 

Two hours only could be allowed to them to take advan- 
tage of this offer, during which time the ' Proserpine ' 
steamer ran close into the wharf, and eight or ten boats 
from the other ships pulled on shore to receive the fugitives. 
"While the foreigners, consisting of natives of British India, 
Armenians, Portuguese, and others, besides English, came 
crowding down, in vain endeavouring to induce the natives 
to aid them in embarking their property, bands of Burmese 
officers and soldiers moved among them, threatening with 
severe punishment any who should venture to assist them. 
Of course but little property could, under these circum- 
stances, be saved, and some 60 persons, who returned at 
night to attempt the rescue of more, were seized and thrown 
into prison by the Burmese. The morning following these 



278 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

events all the merchantmen were either anchored on the 
opposite side of the river, or were towed by the steamer out 
to sea. 

The Burmese, seeing that the British were in earnest, 
once more tried to avert the coming storm for a time. The 
Commodore, even yet anxious to prevent bloodshed, under- 
took to postpone operations till the following evening, in 
order to allow the Viceroy time to tender the apology he 
demanded. Instead of an apology, however, at 8 p.m. a 
message arrived from the Viceroy to the effect that if the 
Eritish ships attempted to pass the stockades erected on the 
banks of the river, they would be fired on. Information was 
received that nearly 5,000 troops were assembled near the 
stockades, and during Wednesday night and the following 
day, numerous war-boats, each containing from 50 to 80 
men, were discovered coming down the river. At the same 
time several vessels full of armed men arrived at the general 
rendezvous from the Pegu River. 



COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. 

On Saturday morning warlike operations were at length 
commenced. The ' Hermes ' steamer first towed the ' Fox ' 
frigate to within 400 yards of the stockade, where she an- 
chored to protect the merchantmen as they passed by to be 
out of fire. In the mean time the ' Hermes ' went in search 
of a large Burmese war- vessel, with which she soon returned 
as her prize in tow. As the two vessels-of-war neared the 
stockades, first a single gun, and then others, in quick suc- 
cession, accompanied by volleys of musketry, opened on 
them, while the war-boats were seen stealing out of the 
river, as if about to attack. As soon as they got within 
range, the ' Fox ' opened her fire on them, sinking and de- 
stroying all but a few which escaped by a timely retreat, 
while the ' Hermes,' steaming slowly down the front of the 



COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. 279 

stockade, poured in a terrific fire along the whole line of the 
enemy's position. After an interval of a few minutes, the 
Burmese, still undaunted, again opened their fire on the 
ships. In return, the ' Pox ' and ' Phlegethon ' poured in 
an iron shower, which tore their works to pieces, and effec- 
tually silenced their batteries. Some guns from the opposite 
bank now began to play on the fleet, but the 'Hermes/ 
steaming towards them, opened a tremendous fire, which 
she kept up till not a Burmese was to be seen, and the works 
they had there thrown up were entirely destroyed. The 
work was thus speedily and effectually accomplished ; all 
opposition had been crushed, the enemy's batteries were de- 
stroyed, and their fleet of war-boats dispersed. The squadron 
now took up a position at the mouth of the Rangoon river, 
the Commodore declaring the rivers of Eangoon, the Bas- 
sein, and the Salween, above Maulmain, to be in a state of 
blockade. 

Meantime the H.C. steamer 'Proserpine,' after landing 
the hostages from Eangoon at Maulmain, was ordered to 
proceed to Calcutta with despatches for the Commodore. 

On her arrival on the 17th of January, the most extraor- 
dinary excitement was aroused at the intelligence of these 
events, and the Governor- General being absent, the Supreme 
Council instantly resolved to equip a force to carry on hos- 
tilities against Burmah ; while reinforcements were despatched 
with unusual promptitude, to strengthen the forts guarding 
the passes leading from the Burmese territory. On the 
evening of the 18th of January, a company of artillery, fully 
equipped, commanded by Major Eeid, and a wing of the 
18th Eoyal Irish, under the command of Colonel Eeynolds, 
embarked on board the steamers, which sailed the next 
morning for Maulmain. 

The despatches of the Governor- G-eneral, who was 800 
miles away, were not ready till the 28th, when the ' Pire 
Queen ' steamer carried them to Eangoon. She reached the 
mouth of the river on the 30th, when, taking the ' Pox ' 
frigate in tow, she proceeded towards the town. On passing 



280 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

the stockade a hot fire was opened on the two vessels, which 
killed a seaman of the ' Pox.' She returned it with two 
broadsides, and on arriving off Rangoon, came to an anchor. 
Here the Commodore sent Capt. Latter, under a flag-of- 
truce with a letter from the Governor- General to the "King, 
and one from himself. The only answer he received was, 
that the Viceroy would hold no further communication with 
the Government unless the Commodore was removed. As 
this was an equivalent to a declaration of war, the British 
prepared actively for hostilities. Every effort also was made 
by the Burmese to place Rangoon in a state of defence. 
The inhabitants were drawn out, and the fortifications re- 
paired and strengthened. Two new forts were erected, each 
mounting a large number of guns, and strong stockades 
were placed in commanding positions. 

Although the season was far advanced, the Governor- 
General resolved not to delay operations till another year. 
Each Presidency was called on to furnish a contingent. 
Bombay sent a powerful squadron to join the fleet before 
Rangoon, and Madras afforded a brigade efficient in every 
arm. Every man in the service, from the highest to the 
lowest, exerted himself to the utmost. 

A sketch of the scene of the opening operations we are 
about to describe may be useful to our readers. On the 
right bank of the Salween river, which flows into the Gulf 
of Martaban, stands the walled town and stockade of Mar- 
taban ; while, placed on a promontory, between the Gyeen 
and Attaran rivers, and facing the north of the Salween, is 
the city and cantonment of Maulmain. On the western 
shore of the Gulf is the Delta of the Irrawaddy, and up one 
of its branches, and about 90 miles from Maulmain, is the 
town of Rangoon. It is situated on the right bank of the 
river, which is called after it ; and on the front, facing the 
Gulf, is a massively-built pagoda, which serves as a fortifica- 
tion to the town. 

Affairs were in the state we have described, when, on the 
1st of April, Her Majesty's steamer ' Rattler ' arrived from 



CAPTURE OF MARTABAN. 281 

Penang, at the mouth of the Rangoon river, bearing the flag 
of Bear- Admiral Austen, C.B., when Commodore Lambert, 
who had till now been conducting the naval affairs, was com- 
pelled to act as second in command. 



CAPTURE OF MARTABAN - . 

General Godwin arrived on the 3rd, and at once de- 
spatched the steamer ' Proserpine,' under the command of 
Captain Brooking, with Captain Latter on board, to Rangoon, 
to learn if any reply had been received from Ava to the 
Governor- General's letter, demanding compensation for the 
outrages committed at that place. As the ' Proserpine ' 
went up, the Burmese fired at her from the stockades ; nor 
was Captain Latter able to hold any communication what- 
ever with them. On his return, Captain Brooking resolved 
to inflict a severe punishment on the enemy, and ranging up 
along side the stockade which had fired at him, he poured in 
a broadside, which fired a magazine and totally destroyed 
the works. Coming further down, he attacked a second 
stockade, which had fired at him on his upward voyage. She 
then proceeded on to Maulmain to embark troops for the 
proposed attack on Martaban. 

Early on the morning of the 5th of April, General Godwin 
and Admiral Elliot proceeded in the ' Proserpine ' to recon- 
noitre the defences of Martaban. The plan of attack being 
arranged, the ' Rattler ' ran close in, rapidly firing broadside 
after broadside ; the ' Hermes ' and ' Salamander ' zealously 
following her example. Unfortunately the ' Hermes ' 
grounded about 600 yards from the shore. The enemy for 
some time returned the fire with much spirit ; but at length 
when their guns were silenced, the troops were landed from 
the steamer-tenders to storm the defences. The leading 
column was headed by the brave Captain Gillespie, of the 
18th Boyal Irish, who was the first, sword in hand, to spring 



282 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

on the wall. After some opposition, the enemy fled in every 
direction. The walls and defences exhibited the terrific 
effect of the broadsides the steamer had poured in on them. 
Martaban was thus taken, with the loss of only eight men 
wounded. 



CAPTURE OF RANGOON. 

The fleet prepared to attack Rangoon consisted of the fol- 
lowing ships : — 

H. M. frigate ' Fox,' Commodore Lambert, 298 men, 40 
guns ; H. M. steamer ' Rattler,' Commander Mellersh, 130 
men, 11 guns ; H. M. steamer ' Hermes/ Commander Fish- 
bourne, 120 men, 6 guns ; H. M. steamer ' Salamander,' 
Commander Ellman, 135 men, 6 guns ; H. M. sloop ' Serpent,' 
Commander Luard, 125 men, 16 guns, and a gun-boat ; 
H. E. I. C. steamer ' Feroze,' Captain Lynch, 230 men, 
7 guns ; H. E. I. C. steamer ' Mozuffer,' Captain Hewitt, 
230 men, 7 guns ■ H. E. I. C. steamer ' Zenobia,' Captain 
Ball, 200 men, 6 guns ; H. E. I. C. steamer ■ Sesostris,' Com- 
mander Campbell, 135 men, 4 guns ; H. E. I. C. steamer 
'Medusa,' Commander Frazer, 60 men, 5 guns ; H.'E.I. C. 
steamer ' Berenice,' Commander Nisbetfc, 97 men, 1 gun ; 
H. E. I. C. steamer ' Tenasserim,' Commander Dicey, 80 men, 
6 guns; H. E. I. C. steamer 'Pluto,' Commander Burback, 
86 men, 7 guns ; H. E. I. C. steamer ' Phlegethon,' Com- 
mander Xeblett, 86 men, 6 guns ; H. E. I. C. steamer 
' Proserpine,' Commander Brooking, 86 men, 6 guns ; 
H.E.I. C. steamer 'Enterprise,' Commander Fryer, 70 men, 
2 guns ; H.E.I.C. steamer ' Fire Queen,' Commander Boon, 
70 men, 2 guns. 

Making twelve steamers belonging to the H. E. I. Com- 
pany, besides Her Majesty's ships of war. On board of 
these were 5,767 troops of all arms. This fine fleet was the 
largest and most effective that had ever been collected in the 
Indian seas. On the 10th the squadron proceeded up the 



CAPTURE OF RANGOON. 283 

river, and anchored in the evening, a short distance below 
Rangoon. The next day, Easter Sunday, was spent in re- 
connoitering and selecting the point of attack. The Admiral 
selected a position just above the great centre shore, and 
beyond the range of the Burmese guns, which he considered 
would be favourable for attacking and destroying the nume- 
rous stockades on the river. Early in the morning, the tide 
favouring, the ' Eeroze,' ' Mozuffer,' and ' Sesostris ' leading 
the van, were the first to receive and return the enemy's 
fire. Each vessel, as the depth of water admitted, took up a 
position between the stockades. At ten a. m. a tremendous 
explosion of a magazine, which destroyed a stockade mount- 
ing nine 18-pounders, showed the effect the British fire had 
produced. Taking advantage of the confusion and dismay 
created by this event, the 'Eox' ranged close in-shore, 
pouring in tremendous broadsides, which crushed and de- 
stroyed the stockades, while her boats landed a party of 
seamen and marines, and a company of the 18th Royal Irish, 
who together making a gallant rush, drove back the Burmese, 
and stormed, carried, and destroyed two powerful stockades 
on the Dalla side. While the ' Eox ' was engaged in the 
manner described, H. M. S. ' Serpent,' and the H. E. I. C. 
steamer ' Phlegethon,' proceeded higher up the river for the 
purpose of capturing the Burmese war-boats, and of pre- 
venting the enemy from floating down any fire-ships, or 
otherwise annoying the fleet from that quarter. The place 
they were ordered to attack was the strong position of Rem- 
mendine ; and most thoroughly did Commander Luard and 
Captain Neblett perform the duty assigned to them. Passing 
along the whole front of the enemy's stockades, the ships 
poured in their broadsides, receiving a hot fire in return, 
which however did little damage. Then anchoring opposite 
Remmendine, they effectually blockaded the war-boats, and 
next sending their own boats on shore, they stormed and 
carried a strong and important stockade, an officer and seven 
men being wounded in the attack. 

While the ' Serpent ' and ' Phlegethon ' were thus actively 



284 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

engaged, the 'Rattler' and ' Tenasserim ' passing slowly 
along the line of stockades, poured in a destructive fire from 
their heavy guns, completely silencing them and dispersing 
the enemy. As soon as this was done their boats were sent 
on shore, and the stockades were set on fire and totally de- 
stroyed. It was now evening, but after the sun had set and 
far into the night, the cannonade from the ships continued ; 
and along the whole shore, from Eangoon to Eemmendine, 
far up the river, the lurid glare of the burning stockades was 
seen illuming the darkness, while now and then the curved 
track of the shells showed where still some of the enemy 
were making a stand. During the day the British loss was 
trifling ; but Captain Armstrong, of H. M. 57th, was killed 
by a round shot on board the ' Sesostris.' The following 
day, the 12th, the troops landed, and some of the stockades 
were taken by storm, when several brave and valuable officers 
lost their lives. During the 13th every effort was made to 
bring forward the heavy guns and ammunition from the 
ships, when Lieut. Dorville, of H. M. S. ' Pox,' with a division 
of seamen under him, particularly distinguished himself by 
his exertions. 

On the morning of the 14th the grand attack was made ; 
the great Pagoda was stormed, and after some desperate 
fighting, Eangoon fell into the hands of the British. During 
these operations, which it is out of our province to describe, 
the fleet were usefully employed in throwing shot and shell 
into the town, and among the ranks of the enemy whenever 
opportunity occurred, creating an important diversion as 
they were preparing to encounter the British advancing 
columns. The following small naval brigade was the most 
actively employed : — ' Battler,' Senior Lieut. J. W. Dorville, 
commanding ; Mr. T. S. Grooch, mate (second in command) ; 
Mr. 0. J. Llewellyn, acting assistant-surgeon ; 30 able 
seamen, 10 lent from ' Hastings.' ' Hermes,' Mr. E. A. 
Tweeddale, mate ; and 40 seamen. ' Salamander,' Mr. 
"W. H. Nurse, acting mate ; and 30 seamen. 



CAPTURE OF BASSEIN. 285 



CAPTURE OF BASSEIN, 
19th May. 



The next operation in which any of the navy were engaged 
was the attack on the city of Bassein, np the river of the 
same name. On the 17th of May, General Godwin and 
Commodore Lambert, with 400 men of H. M. 51st Regiment, 
300 men of the 9th M. N. I., 60 sappers and miners, the 
royal marines, some seamen of H. M. S. ' Pox,' and a few 
artillerymen, embarked at Rangoon on board the steamers 
' Tenasserim,' ' Sesostris, and ' Moozuffer.' They forthwith 
proceeded to the Bassein river, which, after being joined by 
the ' Pinto,' they ascended on the 19th. On the afternoon 
of the same day the squadron anchored abreast of Bassein 
without a single accident. There were large stockades on 
both sides of the river. The troops were landed without 
loss of time. The pagoda was first carried, and after that a 
strong mud fort was attacked. Here the Burmese defended 
themselves with great obstinacy. At length a detachment 
of H. M. 51st, accompanied by Lieut. Rice, R.N., Lieut. 
Pord, with the sappers and miners, and Lieut. Ansley, with 
a detachment of the 9th M. N. L, the whole under the 
command of Major Errington, gallantly stormed and took it. 
On the opposite bank of the river a stockade was carried by 
a party commanded by Captain Campbell, of the ' Sesostris.' 
In about 50 minutes the British fought their way in, and 
drove the Burmese out with great slaughter. The British 
loss was 3 men killed ; 7 officers and 24 men wounded. 
Among the officers wounded were Lieut. Gr. Rice, R. IST., 
severely, and Lieut. J. Elliot, R. M., slightly. 



286 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 



MARTABAN ATTACKED BY THE BURMESE, 

26th May. 

The next event of importance in the war was an attack, on 
the 26th of May, on Martaban by a Burmese force of up- 
wards of a thousand men. They were, however, gallantly 
beaten back by the 49th Madras 1ST. I. in garrison, then 
under the command of Major Hall. The British loss was 
1 sepoy killed and 13 wounded. 



CAPTURE OF PEGU, 

June 4th, 1852. 

An attack on Pegu being next resolved on, an expedition, 
consisting of 230 troops, who were embarked on board the 
' Phlegethon,' and the boats of that vessel and H. M. S. 
( Pox,' under the command of Captain Tarleton, left Bangoon 
on the 3rd of June, and proceeded up the river. The troops 
were under the command of Major Cotton, and accompanied 
by Captain Latter. A friendly chief, named Moungta, ac- 
companied the boats along the bank of the river. The naval 
force consisted of H.M. S. 'Pox's' launch: Mr. M'Murdo, 
mate ; Mr. Lucas, midshipman ; crew, 15 men. Pinnace : 
Mr. Copeland, mate; Mr. Hudson, midshipman; crew, 15. 
Grig : Mr. Cottam ; crew, 6 men. Cutters : Mr. Alexander 
and Mr. Lisboa ; crew, 9 men each ; Mr. Morgan, assistant- 
surgeon, H. M. S. 'Pox.' E. I. Company's steamer 'Moo- 
zuffer:' Mr. Harding; crew, native, in paddle-box boats. A 
large canoe, fitted for the conveyance of the camp followers. 
E. I. Company's steamer ' Phlegethon ' — Two cutters : 
Messrs. T. M. Hulke, third officer, and CO. Sevenoakes, 
midshipman ; crew, 22 men. 






CAPTURE OF PEGU. 287 

As the boats advanced, a sharp fire of musketry was opened 
on them from the Pegu side. On this Captain Tarleton, 
seeing the disadvantage under which they laboured from 
being beneath the enemy's fire, with no effectual means of 
returning it, landed with the boats' crews of H. M. S. ' Pox,' 
and was shortly after joined by Captain JSTeblett and the 
boats' crews of the 'Phlegethon' — in all about 50 men. 
Mean time Mr. M'Murdo, mate, was left in charge of the 
boats. As Captain Tarleton and his party advanced, the 
Burmese fired on them, but were driven from point to point 
until completely broken ; one party retreating by the river's 
side to the northward, and the other within the old wall of 
the city. Their object being attained, they were retiring in 
close order to the boats, when a fire of gingals and musketry 
was opened on them from the walls. Deeming it unwise to 
allow the Burmese to suppose they were retreating, Captain 
Tarleton led his party to the attack, having found a native 
guide to show them the causeway through the ditch. Having 
halted a few seconds to gain breath, they rushed in over the 
causeway, and through a breach to the right of the gateway. 
On getting over the wall, after a stout defence, the enemy fled, 
and ultimately retired within the Great Pagoda. Mean time 
the boats had been attacked, but were bravely defended by 
Mr. M'Murdo, who succeeded in getting them to the other 
side of the river, Major Cotton having sent a detachment to 
their support. After the troops and seamen had rested for 
some time, the Burmese were observed issuing from the 
Pagoda in considerable strength, with the evident intention 
of attacking them. The troops lost not a moment in getting 
under arms, and the seamen forthwith came on shore. The 
British instantly advanced ; and before the Burmese could 
recover from their surprise at a movement so little expected, 
the place was carried without another casualty. H. M. S. 
* Fox ' had three seamen wounded, and the ' Phlegethon ' 
one seaman killed. 

The force, after destroying the fortifications, returned to 
Rangoon on the 5th. 



THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 



EXPEDITION UP THE IRRAWADDY, UNDER. CAPT. TARLETON, 
R.N., AND CAPTURE OF PROME, 

9th July. 

It being important to ascertain the number and position of 
the enemy posted on the banks of the Irrawaddy, Commodore 
Lambert directed Captain Tarleton to take under his orders 
H. M. S. ' Medusa,' and the Company's steamers ' Proser- 
pine,' ' Phlegethon,' ' Pluto,' and ' Mahanuddy,' and to pro- 
ceed up the river for the purpose of obtaining that informa- 
tion. Accordingly, on the 6th of July, the vessels proceeded 
up the Irrawaddy in performance of these orders. At a 
place called Konnoughee, 25 miles below Prome, a large 
body of armed men were observed collected on the banks ; 
and on a shell being fired among them, they opened a 
vigorous fire from six guns and from a large number of 
musketry. An officer, Mr. Hunter, mate, Indian Navy, and 
a seaman of the ' Medusa,' were wounded by the fire. At a 
short distance from Prome the river divides into two streams, 
the left, or western, being the deepest, and the only navigable 
branch at any season but the rainy one. At sunset the 
expedition anchored off Meaoung. At daylight, on the 8th, 
it again weighed, and proceeded till within sight of an ex- 
tensive fortification, crowning the end of a ridge of hills 
300 feet high, terminating abruptly at the town of Akouk- 
toung, which completely commands the river. Here the 
position being strongly fortified, a Burmese army of about 
10,000 men had been assembled, under Greneral Bundoola, 
to guard the passage to Prome and the capital. Captain 
Tarleton, having been warned of the resistance he would 
meet, and hearing from the native pilots that at that season 
the eastern stream was navigable, determined to try it. 
Instead, therefore, of keeping on, to the disappointment of 



EXPEDITION UP THE IRRAWADDY. 289 

the enemy, who Lad begun to fire on him, he turned off 
through the eastern channel, and was quickly beyond their 
reach, having had not less than two fathoms water in the 
channel. Here he learned that a small steamer, belonging 
to the king of Ava, had only left the day before ; and he 
accordingly despatched the ' Proserpine,' under Mr. Brooking, 
to overtake her. He also discovered that the whole Burmese 
army was concentrated at the place he had just passed, and 
that, by thus getting in their rear, they would meet with no 
opposition whatever. Mr. Brooking was unable to come up 
with the king's steamer. By steaming through the night, 
the rest of the squadron came off Prome by daylight of the 
morning of the 9th. At the south end of the town, near 
the water's edge, four heavy guns were seen, but no armed 
men, nor were any troops whatever observed in the place. 

Captain Tarleton accordingly anchored the 'Medusa' 
abreast of the spot, and soon hove them off. The iron guns 
were disabled and sunk in deep water, and the brass ones 
were taken on board. "When the other vessels joined their 
crews with the boats' crews of the ' Pox,' heartily entering 
on the work, every gun in Proine, 23 in number, was 
brought off. In the afternoon the ' Medusa ' ascended the 
river 10 miles higher ; but Captain Tarleton felt himself 
bound by his orders to return. His feelings may be sup- 
posed when he thus found himself at Prome, within four 
days' steaming of Ava, with a certain knowledge that there 
was nothing to oppose him, and with a broad deep river, 
easy of navigation, before him. Had he had with him one 
regiment and half a battery of guns, there is every reason to 
believe he might have taken the capital, so totally unpre- 
pared were the Burmese for any advance in the rains. How- 
ever, he was, of course, compelled to obey the orders lie had 
received. After remaining there for 24 hours, the place was 
evacuated, and the flotilla returned. On reaching the main 
stream, the army of Bundoola was observed in motion, 
crossing the river evidently with the intention of following 
the steamers. They, in consequence, opened with shot and 

TJ 



290 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

shell upon the confused masses on shore and on the boats, 
spreading havoc and dismay among them. Between 40 and 
50 boats were captured and destroyed. The general's state- 
barge, several large war-canoes, a standard, two gold um- 
brellas, and other spoil, fell into the hands of the British. 
The whole trip occupied only nine days. In its progress 
the expedition received the most convincing proofs that the 
population of Burmah are adverse to the war, and anxious 
to come under the British rule. Looking at the expedition 
by itself, it was as gallant and dashing an undertaking as 
has occurred during the war. 

First-lieutenant John Elliot, E.M., H. M. S. ' Fox,' was 
wounded severely ; and Mr. F. Morgan, assistant-surgeon, 
slightly, as was also Gr. Cook, boy. 



SECOND CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF PROME. 

A mote on Prome being resolved on, a body of troops were 
embarked on board the steamers, and Commodore Lambert 
hoisted his broad pennant on board the 'Fire Queen,' to 
proceed up the Irrawaddy. The commissariat, ordnance, 
and engineers' stores, and about 1,000 followers attached to 
the regiments, were conveyed in the steamers, large Bur- 
mese cargo-boats, five small schooners, and a barque. The 
cargo-boats, manned by Burmese crews, advanced in three 
divisions, under convoy of the barges and pinnaces of H.M.S. 
' Fox,' ' Winchester,' and ' Hastings.' The barque and 
schooner were towed by the steamers. 

The squadron, calling at Henzadah on the way, came off 
Prome on the 9 th of October. As soon as the ships neared 
the city, the enemy opened fire with a couple of guns and 
musketry, which was returned by the steamers as they pro- 
ceeded into the bay. Then the squadron anchored abreast 
of the town in a convenient position for landing the troops. 
The enemy continuing to keep up a fire after the vessels had 



CAPTURE OF PEGU. 291 

anchored, the boats of the squadron were sent under the 
command of Capt. Loch, C.B., of H.M.S. ' Winchester,' to 
throw in a few shells and canister-shot among them. This 
had the effect of silencing the fire for a time, although they 
still kept up a spirited attack on the boats, by which two 
seamen were wounded. They then brought down a gun 
abreast of the ' Fire Queen,' but had fired only one shot 
when it was dismounted by the fire from the steamers, which 
effectually cleared a landing-place. Some of the troops were 
landed that night and the remainder the following morning, 
when, with a party of 50 seamen under Commander Bice, the 
British attacked the city, and drove the enemy before them as 
they advanced. Prome was thus occupied with a loss of four 
wounded in the squadron. The Commodore, in his despatch, 
speaks highly of the services of Capt. Loch, Commanders 
Shadwell and Bice, of H.M.S. ' Sphinx ' and ' Hastings,' 
and of Commander Campbell, of the Indian Navy. 



CAPTURE OF PEGU, 

Nov. 21st, 1852. 

The inhabitants of Pegu, who were friendly to the English, 
held their town but a very short time after its former capture 
from the Burmese, when the forces of that power again oc- 
cupied it. General Godwin, hearing that the Burmese were 
strengthening the place, and fearing that they might become 
troublesome, resolved again to take it and to garrison it with 
an English force. Accordingly, on the 18th of November, 
about 1,100 troops, under the orders of Brigadier M'Neil, of 
the Madras Army, were embarked at Bangoon on board the 
Hon. Company's steamers ' Mahanuddy,' ' Nerbudda,' ' Da- 
mooda,' and ' Lord William Bentinck.' The naval arrange- 
ments were under the orders of Commander Charles D. A. 
Shadwell, B.K Weighing at daylight of the 19th, they 
reached the neighbourhood of Pegu on the evening of the 

u2 



292 THE WAR WITH BUBMAH. 

20th, when General Godwin, who accompanied the expedi- 
tion, with Commander Sha dwell, proceeded up the river to 
reconnoitre. The ancient city of Pegn is of a quadrangular 
form ; the ruined walls or ramparts are still clearly denned, 
and are surrounded on all sides by a moat, much choked 
with mud and rubbish, its sides being about a mile and 
three-quarters in length ; the pagoda, which forms the key of 
the position, lying in the north-east division of the space 
enclosed by the ruined ramparts. The enemy, amounting to 
about 4.000 men, were strongly posted in the south-east 
angle of the walls, and also along the river front of their 
position it was strongly stockaded. 

Owing to a thick fog which prevailed in the morning, the 
British were able to land without being observed by the 
enemy. Commander E. Seymour, E.X., accompanied Ge- 
neral Godwin as a volunteer, and was present with tmn 
throughout the operations of the day. Commander Eowley 
Lambert, of H.M.S. 'Fox,' superintended the landing of 
the guns, and afterwards directed the fire of the gun-boats 
on the enemy's position, from which he succeeded ultimately 
in dislodging them. About seven the advance commenced, the 
enemy opening a sharp fire on the troops as they moved 
along the ramparts. After a short halt, to refresh, the troops 
formed under cover of a wood, and, charging gallantly across 
the moat, entered the defences of the Burmese, who re- 
treated to the pagoda. Prom the commencement of the 
affair, the ' Lord "William Bentinck ' and the gun-boats had 
kept up a hot fire of shell and canister on the enemy. A 
little before one the columns^ were finally formed for the 
assault. 

On approaching the pagoda, some Burmese were seen 
stealthily watching the movements of the advancing columns. 
On this, the troops made a rush, the enemy fired a volley 
and fled, and the British entering the pagoda, Pegu was 
won. The military lost 6 killed and 31 wounded ; but the 
naval arm escaped without any casualty, though exposed to 
a hot fire. Lieutenants Mason and Glover, and jlr. Pocock, 



OPERATIONS ON THE IRRAWADDY. 293 

mate, commanding boats, acquitted themselves well. Mr. 
J. P. Johnson, assistant-surgeon to H.M.S. ' Sphinx,' most 
assiduously attended to the wounded, most of whom were 
brought on board the ' Lord William Bentinck ;' while 
Messrs. Digney, Porter, Berwick, and Simpson, command- 
ing the Company's steamers, showed great perseverance 
and energy by the way they pushed their vessels up the 
river. 

The boats employed were as follows : — 

H.M.S. ' Fox,' Commander E-owley Lambert. — Pinnace, 
Lieut. Mason ; Mr. Dunlop, midshipman ; 15 men. Barge, 
Mr. C. Pocock, mate; Mr. Lucas, midshipman; 13 men. 
Grig, Mr. Dawes, midshipman ; 6 men. Gun-boat, Mr. A. 
Yilliers, midshipman ;. 6 men. 

H.M.S. ' Sphinx,' Commander Charles D. A. Shadwell. — 
1, paddle-box boat, Lieut. J. H. Glover ; 15 men. 2, paddle- 
box boat, M. A. Murphy, master' s-assistant, 15 men, con- 
veying 30 sappers each ; the first towed by the H.C. steam- 
packet 'Nerbudda,' and the second by the H.C. sloop-of-war 
' Damooda.' Cutter, Mr. A. Webb, midshipman ; 9 men. 
Grig, Mr. W. E. Cookson, midshipman ; 5 men ; Mr. J. P. 
Johnson, assistant-surgeon. A garrison of 430 men being 
left at Pegu, the rest of the expedition returned to Eangoon. 



OPERATIONS ON THE IRRAWADDY. 

The principal towns of the province being in the hands of 
the British, it became important to clear the intermediate 
country of the enemy, especially the banks of the rivers, 
where they were of much annoyance to the provision-boats. 
In this service the naval forces were constantly and very 
actively employed. Several of the expeditions were under 
the command of the lamented Capt. Granville Loch, who 
displayed in them the same zeal and daring courage for 
which he had already made himself conspicuous. 



294 THE WAE WITH BURMAH. 

On the 1st of November Capt. Loch embarked on board 
the Company's steamer ' Mednsa,' from Prome, with Bri- 
gadier Sir John Cheape, and the light company of the Royal 
Irish, 80 strong, accompanied by the following flotilla of 
boats, and proceeded down the river to destroy some stock- 
ades, and to make a reconnaissance about a mile and a half 
below Prome, at a place called the White Pagoda : — 

'Winchester's' Boats. — Grig, Commander F. B. Seymour, 
volunteer ; Mr. Gregory, naval cadet ; 5 seamen, 3 marines. 
Barge, Lieut. Hillyar ; Mr. Bound, mate ; Mr. Slade, as- 
sistant-surgeon ; 15 men. Pinnace, Lieut. Pearse ; Mr. 
Bond, mate ; 13 men. 

' Sesostris's ' Boats. — Pinnace, Lieut. Lewis ; Mr. Capel, 
midshipman ; Dr. Walsh, assistant-surgeon ; 14 men, 11 
marine artillerymen. 1st cutter, Lieut. Windus ; 11 men. 
2nd cutter, Mr. Duval, mate ; 11 men. 

' Medusa's ' Cutter. — Mr Harris, midshipman ; 10 men, 
6 marine artillerymen. Total force landed, 74. 

Capt. Loch, leaving the boats, anchored off the White 
Pagoda, where he observed some stockades in course of 
erection, went down the river to give some orders to Capt. 
JNTiblett, of the ' Enterprise,' and then returning, landed the 
troops and naval brigade. Advancing, they drove in the 
enemy's skirmishers, and having sufficiently observed the 
country, they then destroyed the stockades, and re-embarked 
with one man only wounded belonging to the ' Medusa.' 

On the 4th of November Captain Loch led another expe- 
dition against the heights of Akoutou, defended by 350 or 
400 men, and 5 guns. 

His total force consisted of 82 men : — 

' Winchester's ' Boats. — Grig, Commander P. B. Seymour, 
volunteer ; Mr. Grregory, naval-cadet ; 4 men, 3 marines. 
Barge, Lieut. Hillyar ; Mr. Bound, mate ; Mr. Slade, as- 
sistant-surgeon ; 15 men. Pinnace, Lieut. Pearse ; Mr. Bond, 
mate ; 13 men. 

H.C. steam-frigate ' Sesostris.' — Lieut. Lewis ; Mr. Duval, 
mate ; 22 seamen, 8 marine artillerymen. 



ATTACKS ON MY A TOON. 295 

H.C.S. ' Medusa.' — Mr. Erazier, mate ; Mr. Harris, mid- 
shipman ; 15 seamen, 12 artillerymen. 

\Yhile this force was landing, they were covered by an 
admirably well-directed fire from the ' Medusa,' Lieut. Eraser 
commanding. 

Ascending a narrow pathway, they learned from a wounded 
Burmese that the troops were before them ; so on they went, 
till at last they were met by a partial fire. A rapid charge 
— in which Lieut. Lewis, First of the ' Sesostris,' led his 
seamen and marines in gallant style, as did Mr. Brazier, mate 
of the ' Medusa' — put the enemy to flight. The guns were 
found loaded and primed. The guns being thrown over the 
cliffs, the party returned, having thus again opened the river 
to Prome. 

On the 9th Capt. Loch returned to Akoutou, for the pur- 
pose of bursting the guns which had been thrown over the 
cliffs. 

On the 11th another expedition embarked, under Captain 
Loch, to destroy the forts opposite Upper Prome. Com- 
mander Seymour again volunteered, and the boats of the 
' Mahanuddy,' ' Sesostris,' ' Winchester,' ' Medusa,' and 
'Fervaz' were engaged. The stockades were of vast strength, 
and contained five guns, a gingal, and a quantity of ammu- 
nition. The enemy fled as the British force appeared. 



ATTACKS ON MYA TOON, THE ROBBER CHIEFTAIN. 

The rapidity and success of the first movements of the 
British in Burinah paralyzed the Burmese authorities ; but 
their subsequent inactivity again gave heart to the Govern- 
ment at Ava, and encouraged the idea that it was possible to 
drive them back to the sea. 

In consequence of the absence of all local government, rob- 
bers sprang up in every direction, and being allowed to orga- 
nize themselves, devastated and almost ruined the country. 



296 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

Among the most noted of these robber chieftains was Mja 
Toon. He burned down Donabew, Zaloon, and many other 
villages. His stronghold was about 25 miles inland from 
Rangoon. A small force only of British, under Major Hill, 
being left in the pagoda of Pegu, was threatened by a con- 
siderable body of Burmese. They cut off a boat with ammu- 
nition ; and a small squadron of man-of-war's boats, with 150 
marines and 200 English troops, were afterwards compelled 
to retreat. This force of Burmese was afterwards dispersed 
by a strong body of British troops, but Mya Toon still held 
out in his stronghold, his followers daily increasing. In 
consequence of the depredations he was committing, Brigadier 
Dickenson, the commandant at Rangoon, and Commodore 
Lambert, resolved to send a combined naval and military 
force to dislodge him. The military force consisted of 300 
men of the 67th regiment, Bengal IST.L, who, together with 
a body of marines and blue-jackets from H.M.'s ships ' Fox, 1 
' Winchester,' and ' Sphinx,' were placed under the command 
of Captain Granville Loch. There were 185 seamen, 62 
marines, and 25 officers, but of these 42 seamen and 5 officers 
were left in charge of the boats. This force was conveyed 
from Rangoon to Donabew on the 2nd July, in the ' Phlege- 
thon' and ship's boats. They landed at Donabew without 
opposition, and having procured some natives to act as guides, 
and to aid in drawing the two 3 -pound field-guns belonging 
to the ' Phlegethon,' they proceeded to march on the follow- 
ing day towards the position the enemy were supposed to 
occupy. 

The whole of the 3rd of February they marched along a 
pathway, which lay through a jungle of forest trees and 
brushwood. Encamping in a deserted valley, about 15 miles 
from Donabew, they were disturbed occasionally by the dis- 
tant shots and noises of the enemy. Early on the following 
morning, the column moved on about five miles further along 
the same path, until it abruptly terminated on the side of a 
broad nullah or creek, the opposite side of which was high, 
enough to command the approach, and the whole well en- 



ATTACKS ON MY A TOON. 297 

trenched, and armed after the manner of the native fortifica- 
tions of Burmah. The road at this point had been narrowed 
by an abattis of sharp-pointed bamboos, which rendered it 
impossible to deploy the whole strength of the column ; 
indeed, the advance guard, consisting of seamen and marines, 
marched with difficulty two or three abreast, and the field- 
guns were in the rear. At this moment a heavy and mur- 
derous fire was opened by the enemy upon the British troops, 
the Burmese being wholly concealed by breastworks, and 
the British, on the contrary, entirely exposed. Almost every 
man who approached the edge of that fatal creek was mowed 
down. Lieut. Kennedy, of the ' Fox,' and Captain Price, of 
the 67th Bengal Infantry, were killed on the spot. Captain 
Loch, with the daring which had always distinguished him, 
led on his gallant followers to the attack. For ten minutes 
he seemed, to use the expression of one of his companions? 
" to bear a charmed life," for he stood unhurt in the midst 
of that terrible fire. Twice he made an unsuccessful attempt 
to lead his men across the nullah, to storm the fort hand to 
hand, but each time he was driven back. As he again rallied 
the seamen and marines for a third attack, a ball fired by a 
man in a tree struck him on the left side, on his watch, and 
with such force that it drove the watch itself into his body. 
He instantly felt that he was mortally wounded, but had still 
strength and self-possession to fall back about 15 paces to 
the rear. 

The command of the naval force, which had hitherto sus- 
tained the brunt of the action, devolved by the death and 
wounds of the senior officers on Commander Lambert, the 
son of the Commodore. Twice with his brave companions 
he made determined but vain attempts to get across to the 
enemy, when many more lives were lost. He himself re- 
ceived four balls through his clothes, though he fortunately 
escaped unhurt ; but a large proportion of officers and men 
were already wounded. It therefore became absolutely neces- 
sary to provide, without delay, for the retreat of the party 
by the only road left open to them, the one by which they 



298 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

had advanced ; the jungle being impervious in every other 
direction. The fire of the enemy was still very severe, and 
each instant more of the British were falling. Most of the 
native dhooly-bearers and gnides had cowardly and trea- 
cherously decamped, and it was therefore necessary to employ 
every man in carrying the wounded. As, under these cir- 
cumstances, it was impossible to carry off the guns, they were 
spiked, and the carriages destroyed. The party were com- 
pelled even to leave their dead on the field. The enemy 
kept up a distant fire, but never ventured to approach within 
fighting distance of the rear, which was manfully covered by 
the Grenadier company of the 67th. 

Tor twelve hours of a most fatiguing march did the de- 
jected and mourning party retreat towards Donabew, display- 
ing in adversity the same courage, discipline, and goodwill 
they had so often exhibited in success. Lieut s. Glover and 
Bushnell, and also Messrs. Hinde and Wilson, mates, though 
themselves painfully suffering from their own wounds, suc- 
cessfully exerted themselves in keeping up the spirit of their 
men, who, under a burning sun, without water, had to carry 
the heavy burden of their wounded for nearly twenty-four 
miles. Commander Lambert speaks of the gallantry of 
Lieut. Horatio Nelson, and the assistance he received from 
him under the trying circumstances in which they were 
placed, as also from all the officers and men in the expe- 
dition. 

The name of Horatio Nelson alone would excite our inte- 
rest. May he ever prove, as he appears to have done on this 
occasion, " a true chip of the old block." At Donabew, the 
seamen and marines embarked in their boats, and the troops 
were conveyed in the ' Phlegethon' to Rangoon. The gallant 
Captain Loch was removed to the ' Phlegethon,' where he ex- 
pired on the morning of the 6th of February , about 40 hours 
after he had received his wound. He was buried near the Great 
Pagoda, at Rangoon, amid the general grief of all who served 
under him, or knew him. "It would be impossible," says 
Commodore Lambert, " to find a more gallant or intelligent 



ATTACKS ON MYA TOON. 299 

officer, or one more devoted to his profession, which, by his 
untimely death, has lost one of its brightest ornaments. 

In this lamentable affair, the 67th lost 5 men killed and 
18 wounded, and the seamen and marines had 7 killed and 
52 wounded, in a force of 143 men, 60 marines, and 20 
officers. 

The officers killed were Captain Loch and Lieut. C. B. D. 
Kennedy, of H.M.S. ' Fox ;' Captain Price, of the 67th 
Regiment; and Greorge Mills, corporal of marines. Wounded, 
Lieut. J. H. Bushnell, Mr. H. A. Hinde, mate ; Mr. W. C. ~F. 
"Wilson, mate of H.M.S. ' Winchester ;' and Lieut. J. H. 
Glover, of H.M.S. < Sphinx.' 

The disastrous consequences of this expedition arose en- 
tirely from an over-confidence in the leaders of the party, in 
the too common fault of the British of despising their 
enemies, and in a want of proper precautions to ascertain the 
nature of the position to be attacked, and the force guarding 
it. We have few other naval events to recount during the 
war. Our old friend the 'Nemesis' was employed in some 
active affairs in the Bassein river, under Commander Rennie, 
I.1N"., senior officer commanding there, in which her first 
officer, Mr. A. Baker, distinguished himself. After, however, 
the advance of General Steel, and the annexation of Pegu, 
no naval operations of any importance were undertaken. 
The robber chieftain, with his little army, for such he com- 
manded, was afterwards dislodged by a strong force, which 
left Prome under Sir John Cheape, and then not without 
great difficulty and some warm fighting, in which Lieut. 
Cockburn, of the 18th Royal Irish, Lieut. Taylor and Ensign 
Boileau were killed, and many other officers wounded. 

Sir John Cheape speaks in his despatches of the effective 
aid given by the naval force in this expedition, and expresses 
his thanks to Commodore Lambert, to Captain Tarleton, and 
all the officers and men employed. Commodore Lambert 
has been engaged in the arrangements of the treaty, which 
we trust will, by this time, have brought this most unsatis- 



300 THE WAR WITH BURMAH. 

factory war to a conclusion. We have no doubt that, ere 
long, there will be ample work to be done by the Chips of 
the Old Block. 



CAREER OF THE LATE CAPTAIN LOCH, R.N. 

Gkakville Loch, one of the most gallant officers who ever 
adorned H.M.'s Navy, was born in 1813 ; entered the 
service as a volunteer in 1824, for ten years remaining 
constantly at sea, till, in 1834, he obtained his lieutenant's 
commission. When Admiral Fleming, under whom he had 
served as flag-lieutenant, retired, he became commander ; and, 
perceiving at once that steam was becoming all-important, 
he betook himself to Glasgow to study the science and 
practice of that arm in the great factory of Mr. Napier, the 
steam-engine manufacturer. With an energy unusual even 
in his profession, he resolved to acquaint himself with its 
minutest details, worked himself, for a time, as a stoker, and 
took charge of the engine in the boats which plied between 
Glasgow and Liverpool. He received from Mr. Napier a 
certificate of ability, and was immediately appointed to 
command the ' Vesuvius,' then in the Mediterranean. He 
was soon afterwards posted, being one of the youngest post- 
captains in the service, and was appointed to the South 
American station. On arriving at Rio Janeiro he found 
his ship in the Pacific. He had important despatches for 
the admiral, no vessels were likely to start for a considerable 
period, so he resolved on one of the most astounding feats 
on record, one which utterly eclipses even the journey of 
Sir P. Head. He actually rode across the South American 
continent, and after a series of adventures, out of which any 
other man would have made at least three volumes, he joined 
his vessel. On his return home, finding no chance of 
immediate employment, he volunteered for the expedition 



CAREER OF THE LATE CAPTAIN LOCH, R.N. 301 

to China, where both Sir ¥m. Parker and Lord Grough 
availed themselves of his services. On the conclusion of 
peace, he visited Calcutta, and travelled homewards through 
Southern India. In 1846 he was appointed to the ' Alarm,' 
on the West India station, where he was entrusted with the 
settlement of the Mosquito question, and sailed up the St. 
Juan de Nicaragua, took a fort at the end of his voyage, and 
was the first to navigate a river so filled with rapids as to 
be deemed impassable, in the face of an enemy. For these 
services he was made a C.B., and what, probably, gratified 
him still more, received from Sir Robert Peel and Lord 
Palmerston the highest compliments in the House of 
Commons. He then remained on shore till appointed to 
the ' Winchester,' by the Duke of Northumberland, a peer 
directly opposed to the politics of his family ; and the 
remainder of his life-history is that of the Burmese war. 



( 302 ) 



SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 



HEROISM OF LIEUT. CHRISTOPHER, AND PRESENCE OF MIND 
OF JAMES MILES. 

The following account was given me verbally, some time 
ago, by Captain Castle, R.N. ; but as I made a note of it at 
the time, and bave tbe report of tbe Royal Humane Society 
to refer to, I can answer for its correctness in all particulars. 
Tbe conduct of Lieut. Christopher and the boat's crew who 
volunteered, at the great risk of their own lives, to attempt 
the preservation of the life of a fellow-creature, was very 
noble ; but I confess I was struck at the time with the 
extraordinary presence of mind and coolness displayed, 
under the most trying of all circumstances, by the hero of 
my tale. 

I shall give the story in Captain Castle's own words, as 
nearly as I can recollect them, and I feel very sure he will 
vouch for its general correctness : — 

" In the year 1837 I commanded H.M.S. ' Pylades,' on 
the East India station. We were on our return home, by 
the way of the Cape of G-ood Hope, when, on the 8th of 
May of that year, we were off Cape L'Agullus. It was 
blowing a heavy gale of wind, with a tremendous sea 
running, such a sea as one rarely meets with anywhere but 
off the Cape ; when, just at nightfall, as we were taking 
another reef in the topsails, a fine young seaman, a mizen- 
topman, James Miles by name, fell from the mizen-topsail- 
yard, and away he went overboard. In his descent he came 



HEROISM OF LIEUT. CHRISTOPHER. 303 

across the chain-span of the weather-quarter davits, and 
with such force that he actually broke it. I could scarcely 
have supposed that he would have escaped being killed in 
his fall, but as the ship flew away from him, he was seen 
rising on the crest of a foaming wave, apparently unhurt. 
The life-buoy was let go as soon as possible, but by that 
time the ship had already got a considerable distance from 
him, and should he be able to reach it, even then I felt that 
the prospect of saving him was small indeed, as I had no 
hope, should we find him, of being able to pick him out of 
that troubled sea ; and I could scarcely expect that even a 
boat could swim to go to his rescue, should I determine to 
lower one. I was very doubtful as to what was my duty. 
I might, by allowing a boat to be lowered, sacrifice the lives 
of the officer and crew who would, I was very certain, at 
all events volunteer to man her. It was a moment of 
intense anxiety. I instantly, however, wore the ship round, 
and while we stood towards the spot, as far as we could 
guess, where the poor fellow had fallen, the thoughts I 
have mentioned passed through my mind. The sad loss of 
the gallant Lieut. Gore and a whole boat's crew, a short 
time before, about the same locality, was present to my 
thoughts. To add to the chances of our not finding the man, 
it was now growing rapidly dusk. As we reached the spot, 
every eye on board was straining through the gloom to 
discern the object of our search, but neither Miles nor the 
life-buoy were to be seen. Still, I could not bring myself 
to leave him to one of the most dreadful of fates. He was 
a good swimmer, and those who knew him best asserted 
that he would swim to the last. Eor my part, I almost 
hoped that the poor fellow had been stunned, and would 
thus have sunk at once, and been saved the agony of 
despair he must be feeling were he still alive. Of one 
thing I felt sure, from the course we had steered, that we 
were close to the spot where he had fallen. Anxiously we 
waited — minute after minute passed by — still no sound was 
heard ; not a speck could be seen to indicate his position. 



304 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

At last half an hour had passed by. The strongest man 
alive could not support himself in such a sea as this for so 
long, I feared. Miles must long before this have sunk, 
unless he could have got hold of the life-buoy, and of that 
I had no hope. I looked at my watch by the light of the 
binnacle-lamp. ' It is hopeless,' I thought, ' we must give 
the poor fellow up.' "When I had come to this melancholy 
resolve, I issued the orders for wearing ship, in somewhat 
a louder voice than usual, as under the circumstances was 
natural, to stifle my own feelings. Just then I thought I 
heard a human voice borne down along the gale — I listened, 
it was, I feared, but the effect of imagination, yet I waited 
a moment ; again the voice struck my ear, and this time 
several of the ship's company heard it. ' There he is, Sir! 
There he is away to windward,' exclaimed several voices ; 
and then in return they uttered a loud hearty cheer to 
keep up the spirits of the poor fellow. JNTow came the most 
trying moment ; I must decide whether I would allow a boat 
to be lowered. ' If I refuse,' I felt, ' my crew will say that I 
am careless of their lives. It is not their nature to calculate 
the risk they themselves must run.' At once, Mr. Christopher, 
one of my lieutenants, nobly volunteered to make the 
attempt, and numbers of the crew came forward anxious to 
accompany him. At last, anxiety to save a drowning man 
prevailed over prudence, and I sanctioned the attempt. 

" The boat, with Mr. Christopher and a picked crew, was 
lowered, not without great difficulty, and, sad to say, with 
the loss of one of the brave fellows. He was the bowman, 
and as he stood up with his boat-hook in his hand to shove 
off, the boat gave a terrific pitch and sent him over the bow. 
He must have struck his head against -the side of the ship, 
for he went down instantly and was no more seen. Thus, in 
the endeavour to save the life of one man, another was 
already sent to his long account. With sad forebodings for 
the fate of the rest of the gallant fellows, I saw the boat 
leave the ship's side. Away she pulled into the darkness 
where she was no longer visible, and a heavy pull I know 



HEROISM OF LIEUTENANT CHRISTOPHER. 305 

she must have of it in that terrible sea, even if she escaped 
destruction. It was one of the most trying times of my 
life. "We waited in anxious suspense for the return of the 
boat, the minutes, seeming like hours, passed slowly by, and 
she did not appear. I began at length to dread that my 
fears would be realized, and that we should not again see 
her, when after half an hour had elapsed after she had left 
the ship's side on the mission of mercy, a cheer from her 
gallant crew announced her approach with the success of 
their bold enterprise. My anxiety was not, however, entirely 
relieved till the falls were hooked on, and she and all 
her crew were hoisted on board, with the rescued man 
Miles. To my surprise I found that he was perfectly naked. 
As he came up the side, also, he required not the slightest 
assistance, but dived below, at once to dry himself and to 
get out of the cold. I instantly ordered him to his ham- 
mock, and, with the doctor's permission, sent him a stiff glass 
of grog. I resolved also to relieve him from duty, believing 
that his nervous system would have received a shock from 
which it would take long to recover. After I had put the 
ship once more on her course, being anxious to hear the 
particulars of his escape, as soon as I heard that he was 
safely stowed away between the blankets, I went below to 
see him. His voice was as strong as ever ; his pulse beat as 
regularly, and his nerves seemed as strong as usual. After 
pointing out to him how grateful he should feel to our 
Almighty Father for his preservation from an early and 
dreadful death, I begged him to tell me how he had con- 
trived to keep himself so long afloat. He replied to me in 
the following words : — ' Why, Sir, you see as soon as I came 
up again, after I had first struck the water, I looked out for 
the ship, and getting sight of her running away from me, I 
remembered how it happened I was there, and knew there 
would be no use swimming after her or singing out. Then, 
Sir, I felt very certain you would not let me drown without 
an attempt to pick me up, and that there were plenty of fine 
fellows on board who would be anxious to man a boat to 

x 



306 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

come to my assistance, if you thought a boat could swim. 
Then thinks I to myself, a man can die but once, and if its 
my turn to-day, why there's no help for it. Yet I didn't 
think all the time that I was likely to lose the number of 
my mess, do ye see, Sir. The next thought that came to me 
was, if I am to drown, it's as well to drown without clothes 
as with them, and if I get them off why there's a better 
chance of my keeping afloat till a boat can be lowered to 
pick me up ; so I kicked off my shoes, and then I got off my 
jacket, and then waiting till I could get hold of the two legs 
at once, I drew off my trousers in a moment. My shirt was 
soon off me, but I took care to roll up the tails so as not to 
get them over my face. As I rose on the top of a sea, I 
caught sight of the ship as you wore her round, and that 
gave me courage, for I felt I was not to be deserted; 
indeed, I had no fear of that. Then I knew that there 
would be no use swimming, so all I did was to throw myself 
on my back and float till you came up to me. I thought the 
time was somewhat long, I own. "When the ship got back, 
I saw her hove-to away down to leeward, but I did not like 
to sing out for fear of tiring myself, and thought you would 
not hear me ; and I fancied also that a boat would at once 
have been lowered to come and look for me. Well, Sir, I 
waited, thinking the time was very long, and hearing no 
sound, yet still I could see the ship hove-to, and you may be 
sure I did not take my eyes from off her ; when at last I 
heard your voice give the order to wear ship again. Then 
thinks I to myself, ' Now or never' s the time to sing out.' 
And raising myself as high as I could out of the water, I 
sang out at the top of my voice. There was a silence on 
board, but no answer, and I did begin to feel that there was 
a chance of being lost after all. ' Never give in, though,' 
thinks I ; so I sung out again as loud you may be sure as I 
could sing. This time the answering cheers of my shipmates 
gave me fresh spirits ; but still I knew full well that I wasn't 
safe on board yet. If I had wanted to swim there was too 
much sea on to make any way, so I kept floating on my back 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 307 

as before, just keeping an eye to leeward to see if a boat was 
coming to pick me up. Well, Sir, when the boat did come 
at last, with Mr. Christopher and the rest in her, I felt quite 
strong and hearty, and was well able to help myself on board. 
I now can scarcely fancy I was so long in the water.' I 
was much struck with the extraordinary coolness of Miles. 
He afterwards had another escape, which was owing less to 
his own self-possession, though he took it as coolly as the 
first. On our passage home the ship was running with a 
lightish breeze, and almost calm sea, across the Bay of Biscay, 
when Miles was sent on the fore-top gallant-yard. By some 
carelessness he fell completely over the yard, and those aloft 
expected to see him dashed to pieces on the forecastle. In- 
stead of that the foresail at that moment swelled out with a 
sudden breeze, and striking the bulge of the sail, he was sent 
forward clear of the bows and hove into the water. A rope 
was towing overboard. He caught hold of it, and hauling 
himself on board, was again aloft within a couple minutes 
attending to his duty, which had so suddenly been inter- 
rupted. On his arrival in England, Lieut. Christopher 
received the Honorary Silver Medal from the 'Royal Humane 
Society for his gallant conduct on the occasion of saving 
Miles's life." 



DEVOTED HEROISM AND COURAGE OF MESSRS. SMITH AND 
PALMES OF H.M.S. ' SERINGAPATAM,' 



H. M. S. ' Seringapatam,' Captain Leith, was lying off the 
island of Antigua in August 1838, when, on Sunday, the 26th 
of that month, eight of her officers, three of whom were 
youngsters, and all belonging to the midshipmen's berth, 
with a gentleman a resident in the island, and two seamen, 
started away from the ship in the pinnace on a cruize. Their 
intention was to go down to Falmouth Bay, situated about 

x2 



308 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

two miles to leeward of English Harbour, where the ship 
was, and to beat back. The afternoon was very fine, and 
everything seemed to promise them a pleasant excursion. 
Having spent a short time in Falmouth Harbour, they hauled 
their wind, and made three or four tacks on their way back 
to the ship. The boat, however, made little or nothing to 
windward, in consequence of the wind being very light. 
Forgetful of the sudden squalls which visit those latitudes, 
the merry party of young officers seemed to have kept but a 
bad look-out to windward ; for while standing-in on the star- 
board tack, the boat was taken by a sudden squall. The 
helm was put down; but the boat not coming up to the 
wind so as to lift the sails, she was capsized under every 
stitch of canvas. She, however, went over so gradually, that 
all hands had time to creep to windward, and seat themselves 
on the gunwale. The sails prevented her from turning bottom 
up, and at the same time protected them, in some measure, 
from the breaking of the sea. "What seems very extraordi- 
nary is, that not one of the party, officers or seamen, had a 
knife in his pocket, so that they had no means of cutting 
away the rigging and righting the boat. As soon as they 
had settled themselves on the side of the boat, they had time 
to look about them, and to consider their perilous position. 
They were fully two miles from the shore, whence it was 
scarcely possible any one should have observed the accident, 
and they were an equal distance or more from the ship ; 
thus the current might carry them far away before any one 
could come to their assistance. A sea might get up and 
wash them off the wreck, or sharks might attack and devour 
them, for the boat's gunwale was only six inches awash. Not 
a sail was in sight, and all felt convinced that if some unfore- 
seen assistance did not come to their aid they must perish. 
Despair was well-nigh taking possession of the bosoms of all 
the party. Silent and melancholy, they sat on the wreck 
meditating on their fate. All were young. Life, with all 
its fancied charms and anticipated pleasure had a few short 
moments previously been before them j and now, death, in all 



COURAGE OF MESSRS. SMITH AND PALMES. 309 

its terrors — slow, lingering, and agonizing — stared them in 
the face'. One only of the whole party was a good swimmer, 
Mr. W. E-. Smith, and he was a very bold and strong one. 
He looked at the shore ; two miles was a long distance to 
swim, with a full consciousness, too, that those waters swarm 
with those terrific monsters of the deep, the seaman's just 
dread — the hideous shark. " Well," said Smith at last, 
looking wistfully at the distant shore, " I feel I ought to try, 
as it is the only chance of saving all hands ; and I think I 
could have managed it if I had had but a companion ; but 
it's a long way to go alone through the silent water." " If 
that is your only reason, Smith, why I will try and keep 
you company," said Palmes, another midshipman, who had 
hitherto sat silent, nor complaining like some of the rest. 
" I am not much of a swimmer, and I don't feel as if I could 
ever get to shore. However, it's a good cause, and I'll do 
my best." Thus it was speedily settled, for there was no 
time to be lost. The two noble adventurers having bid fare- 
well to their shipmates, whom Palmes, at all events, never 
expected to see again, threw off their jackets and shoes, and 
struck away together from the wreck. The prayers of those 
they left behind followed them, for the safety of all depended 
on their success. Smith swam steadily and strongly, and 
Palmes made amends for his want of strength and skill by 
his courage and spirit. Still, before they got half way to the 
shore, the courage of one of them was to be sorely tried. As 
Smith swam along he felt his legs strike against something, 
and, looking down into the clear water, he saw, to his horror, 
two enormous sharks swimming past him. As yet they had 
not noticed him ; and fortunately was it for both of the brave 
fellows that they had kept on their trousers and socks, for 
had the monsters seen the white flesh of their naked feet 
they would to a certainty have fixed on them as their prey. 
With admirable presence of mind, Smith kept this dreadful 
fact to himself, lest the knowledge of it should still further 
unnerve his companion, who already was almost exhausted 
by his exertions. At this time they were still full a mile 



310 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

from the shore, which, to their anxious eyes, appeared still 
further off. "Smith, my dear fellow," exclaimed Palmes, 
" I can swim no further. Do you push on, and leave me to 
my fate." " Not I, my lad," answered Smith. " Cheer up, 
man ; we'll yet do well. Here, rest on me for a time ; but 
don't cease striking out." Suiting the action to the word, 
he came alongside and supported his companion ; but he did 
not tell him why he urged him to keep striking out. Again 
they struck out together, and Palmes seemed somewhat re- 
covered; but once more his strength forsook him, and he 
fancied himself incapable of proceeding. Still Smith did not 
lose courage ; but he saw the necessity of keeping their 
limbs moving, lest the dreadful sharks should be tempted to 
lay hold of them. Palmes had fully as- much moral courage 
as his companion, but he was his inferior in physical strength ; 
yet feeling that not only his own life and that of Smith, but 
that of the nine fellow-creatures remaining on the wreck, 
depended on their reaching the shore, nerved him to further 
exertions. 

Those only who have swam for their lives when the arms 
have begun to ache, the knees refuse to bend, and the breath 
grows short, can tell the feelings of the two gallant young 
men, but more especially those of the brave Palmes. Spurred 
on by Smith each time that he grew faint and weary, he 
nerved himself for fresh exertions. At last, as they strained 
their eyes ahead, the shore seemed to come nearer and nearer. 
They could distinguish the sandy beach and the green herbage 
beyond. On a sudden, before even he expected it, Smith 
felt his foot touch the shore. "With a joyful exclamation of 
thankfulness, he grasped Palmes by the hand, and aided him 
to wade on to the dry land. No sooner had they emerged 
from the water, than, overcome with fatigue, poor Palmes 
sank down on the beach, where he lay for some time unable 
to move. We fain would believe, nay, we are certain, that 
they both offered up in their hearts a silent thanksgiving to 
the Great Being who had thus mercifully preserved them 
from the perils of the deep. But the gallant Smith, while 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 31 1 

rejoicing in his own preservation and that of his friend, did 
not forget the comrades he had left floating on the wreck. 
As soon as he had recovered sufficient strength to move, he 
hurried off to the nearest habitation to give information of 
the accident, and to procure a boat to go to their assistance. 
Already much time had been lost. It was half-past 4 
when the accident occurred, and they had been two hours in 
reaching the shore, so that darkness was now rapidly ap- 
proaching, which, of course, would increase the difficulty of 
finding the wreck. The instant Palmes found he could 
move, he also got up and went in search of a boat. He pro- 
cured one, with a crew to man it, while Smith took charge 
of another, and they instantly started in search of their ship- 
mates. Meantime information of the sad accident had been 
conveyed on board the ' Seringapatam.' The kind heart of 
the captain was much grieved when he heard of it, for he 
could not but fear that the remainder of the party had 
perished. Prom him downwards to the smallest boy in the 
ship, everybody was most painfully anxious about them. 
He instantly despatched boats in all directions to search for 
the missing party. All sorts of reports were flying about on 
board ; and as sharks were known to abound, it was feared 
by the seamen that they might have destroyed their young 
shipmates. The night also became very bad ; the wind rose, 
and threatened to increase ; the sea got up with it, thick 
clouds collected, and the white-topped waves added to the 
gloominess of the night, while the rain came down in tor- 
rents, and the lightning burst forth in sharp and vivid 
flashes, increasing the dangers to be apprehended. The 
boats of the ' Seringapatam ' took different directions, each 
officer commanding shaping the course he thought most 
likely to bring him up to the wreck. Some of the searching 
boats went in a wrong direction altogether, being misled by 
a pilot as to the direction the current took. Hour after 
hour passed by, and no sign of the wreck was perceived ; 
and both those on board and many of those in the boats 
began to despair of success. As they looked out through 



312 SPIRITED AXD GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

the darkness they fancied they could hear the yoices of their 
shipmates at a distance imploring aid, or that they saw their 
figures in the boat amid the surrounding gloom. "We shall, 
however, follow the ' Seringapatam's ' barge, commanded by 
her gunner. He knew the set of the current ; and as soon 
as he shoved off from the ship's side, he ran directly down 
to leeward along the coast, at the distance he understood 
the boat had been capsized ; he being thus better able to 
calculate the direction in which she would have drifted. His 
purpose was then to beat back again ; thus entirely covering 
the ground where the wreck must be. On his way down he 
fell in with the shore-boat, commanded by Mr. Smith, who, 
at once approving of his plan, joined him in the search. By 
their calculations the boat would have drifted some five or 
six miles to leeward, and would be drawn rather off shore. 
They were right ; and about the very place where they ex- 
pected, she was discerned still floating as Smith had left her. 
"With anxious hearts they pulled up to her. Five only of 
the nine were seen still clinging to her. The other four had 
too probably given themselves up in despair. The crew of 
the barge cheered, and were answered with a faint hail from 
those they had come to save, already almost sinking from 
exhaustion. "Where are the rest?" exclaimed Smith, as 
he saw their diminished numbers. " Only a short distance 
in-shore of us," was the answer. " They have not left the 
wreck five minutes." " Alas ! but in those five minutes the 
poor fellows may have sunk fathoms down, or been grasped 
by the jaws of the hungry sharks," thought Smith, as he in- 
stantly pulled away in the direction indicated. 

His four shipmates were found not far apart, each of 
them lashed to an oar, and striking out as well as they 
could for the shore, but strange to say, only one of them 
could swim at all. 

It was then past 9 o'clock, making nearly five hours that 
the poor fellows had held on to the boat, with all the horrors 
of death staring them in the face, for, of course, they were 
not aware that Smith and Palmes had reached the shore, and, 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 313 

indeed, had began to fear that they were already numbered 
with the dead. Their pleasure, and, we believe, their 
gratitude, was increased, when they discovered that both 
had escaped, and had been the means under Providence of 
preserving their lives. 

Their sufferings had been very great — when the storm 
came on, they expected every moment to be washed from 
the wreck, and to add to their horrors, a shark had been, 
for most of the time, lying between the masts of the pinnace, 
his fiery eyes glaring up at them, and watching them, as 
about soon to become his prey. Had it not, indeed, been 
for Smith's coolness and skill as a swimmer, and for the 
generous daring of Palmes, in all human probability every 
soul must have perished. The circumstances we have 
narrated, having been represented to the Eoyal Humane 
Society, the Silver Medallion of the Society, with a com- 
plimentary letter, was sent out, and presented on the 
quarter-deck of the ' Seringapatam,' by Captain Leith, to 
each of the two young officers, in presence of the whole 
ship's company, a suitable and gratifying reward for their 
gallantry, in addition to that their own consciences could 
not fail to afford. 

A SECOND ACT OF GALLANTRY RECORDED OF 
MR. W. R. SMITH, 

Some years after the events I have just described, Mr. "W. 
E. Smith having reached the rank of lieutenant, belonged to 
H.M.S. < Endymion.' On the 4th of February, 1847, she 
was at anchor off Sacraficios Island, near Yera Cruz. The 
night of the 4th was excessively dark, and a strong current 
was running past the ship, when Mr. West, mate, slipped 
his footing from the gangway, and fell into the sea, striking 
his head against the ship's side. On the cry of " a man 
overboard," which was instantly raised, Lieut. "W". E. 
Smith and others, rushed on deck ; but, owing to the 
excessive darkness and the strong current, no object could 



314 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

at first be seen floating : at length, some white substance 
was perceived at a distance, when Lieut. Smith immediately 
plunged into the water, and struck rapidly out towards it. 
On reaching the object, he found it to be Mr. "West, who 
was lying quite motionless, though, from his head sinking 
under water, he would speedily have been deprived of life. 
Lieut. Smith at once raised his head above water, and kept 
him floating, until, by repeatedly calling, he attracted a boat 
to his assistance, when he and his companion were carried 
on board. The crew were thickly clustering on the rigging, 
to see them return, and from among them another man 
missed his footing and fell overboard, from the main- 
chains. Mr. Smith, who saw the accident, not knowing 
whether the man could swim, instantly plunged in again to 
his assistance, but found, on reaching him, that he was 
perfectly able to keep himself afloat till the boat could 
arrive to pick him up. 

ACCOUNT OF RESCUE OF BOAT'S CREW OF H.M.S. ' WOLVE- 
RINE ' BY LIEUT. ARTHUR BURRARD KINGSTON, R.N. 

January 16th, 1840; 

ALSO OF HIS SAVING THE LIFE OF A BOY OF 

H.M.S. ' SARACEN.' 

March 13th, 1840. 

Among- the many acts of gallantry it has been my privilege 
to recount, there are few which afford me more satisfaction, 
or which I am more likely to narrate with correctness,* than 
the following, as the chief particulars were given me by one 
of the actors, Lieut. Kingston. Should it, however, by 
chance, be discovered that I have made any mistake in my 
account (which I do not think likely will be the case) I 
alone must be answerable. I have, however, in order to 
confirm my account, given the official reports on his 
behaviour on two occasions, when he displayed the most 
* Lieut. A. B. Kingston is a cousin of the Author's. 



RESCUE OF BOAT'S CREW BY LIEUT. A. B. KINGSTON. 315 

conspicuous gallantry, courage, and presence of mind. At 
the time of which I speak, H.M.S. ' "Wolverine ' formed 
one of the African squadron, and was commanded by the 
brave and kind Commander Tucker, whose noble conduct 
and lamented death I have elsewhere described. She had 
been cruizing off the coast, when, on the 15th of January, 
1840, she anchored off the Eiver Brass or St. John, one of 
the mouths of the far-famed and mysterious Niger. Captain 
Tucker had made himself thoroughly acquainted with the 
coast, as well as with the modes of proceeding of the slave- 
dealers, and of the slavers, and he was thus enable to capture 
a very large number of vessels, though with single-minded 
purpose, as his object was to stop the slave-trade, he 
endeavoured to take them before they got their slaves on 
board. Soon after she had brought up about four miles 
from the shore, Captain Tucker ordered the boats to be 
hoisted out and to be fitted for service, during an absence 
of three days. "While this work was going forward, a canoe 
was observed paddling off from the shore towards the ship. 
On her coming alongside, she was proved to contain two 
natives of great consequence, it seemed, judging from their 
costume — that is to say, if scarlet dresses, or rather wrappers, 
round the loins, and ornamented caps, might be admitted 
as tests of rank. They came up the side without hesitation, 
and after some cross-questioning they informed Captain 
Tucker that they had seen a fine schooner, under American 
colours, up the Eiver Nun, and that from her appearance 
and movements there could be no doubt that she was a 
slaver. The promise of a reward induced them, with negro 
eagerness, to undertake all Captain Tucker proposed, to act 
as spies, and to bring further information about the vessel, 
and then to perform the part of pilots in conducting her, 
when captured, down the river. This information, which, it 
It was hoped was correct, hurried the departure of the 
boats. Lieut. Dumaresq took charge of the pinnace, as 
commanding officer of the expedition ; Mr. Arthur B. 
Kingston, then only a mate, had the cutter ; and Mr. 



316 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

Thorburn, another mate of the ' Wolverine/ went in the 
gig. "Water, provisions, and arms, having been placed in 
the boats, and all being ready, they shoved off from the 
ship at half-past 10 in the morning. 

Lieut. Dumaresq had one of the black pilots in his boat, 
and Mr. Kingston had the other with him. Sometimes 
sailing, when there was a breeze, and at others, when it fell 
light, the crews, eager for work of some sort, pulling away 
with a will, they soon reached the mouth of the River Brass. 
The river is here pretty broad, its banks, as far as the eye 
can reach, covered with tall mangroves, their dark foliage 
imparting a sombre and almost funereal aspect to the scenery. 
After the boats had pulled about ten miles up the Brass, 
they reached a sort of natural canal, which connects the 
Brass with the Nun. After they had passed through this, 
and had entered the Nun, they hove to for dinner, a meal 
not at all unwelcome after their long pull. When the 
crews were refreshed, they again bent to their oars, and pro- 
ceeded about 30 miles up the Nun. Darkness now rapidly 
came on, and they were no longer able to see ahead, nor 
had they been able to discover anything of their looked-for 
prize. On questioning their black volunteer pilots, the 
worthy gentlemen seemed very uncertain, not only whether 
the slaver had sailed, but where she had been, and where 
they then were. One declared that they had come much 
higher up than where she was last seen, and that she had 
probably been sheltered from their observation in one of 
the numerous creeks which run through the banks of the 
river. In this dilemma a council of war was held ; and 
at first it was proposed to retrace their steps, till the elder 
of the black pilots offered to take a small canoe they had 
with them, higher up the river, to ascertain whether or not 
the slaver was there. This proposal being agreed to by 
Lieut. Dumaresq, the two negroes pulled away, and were 
soon lost in the darkness, not without some slight misgivings 
as to whether or not they would ever return. However, to 
pass the time during the absence of the negroes, they piped 



RESCUE OF BOAT'S CREW BY LIEUT. A. B. KINGSTON. 317 

to supper. A small portion only of the ship's biscuit and 
salt-pork had been discussed, and a glass of grog had just 
been served out all round, when the canoe was seen gliding 
at full speed out of the darkness, the dip of her paddles just 
breaking the stillness of the night. " Well, my man, any news 
of the slaver?" asked the lieutenant, in an eager whisper, 
for the return of the canoe gave him hopes that a prize was 
at hand. " Ship live there ;" answered the elder black, in the 
clear and distinct tones in which his race can speak, but still 
only in a whisper. No sooner was this announcement made 
than the oars were got out simultaneously, and at a word 
from Lieut. Dumaresq, the boats went ahead like magic. 
Not a word except the necessary ones of command was 
uttered. Everyone knew the importance of silence. The 
three boats, urged on by their eager crews, advanced all 
abreast at full speed. Ten minutes, or little more, were 
sufficient to show the dark outline of a schooner, masts and 
spars relieved against the starry sky. Silent as the grave, 
the boats pulled on — their oars so carefully dipped, that 
scarcely a splash was heard. Those on board the schooner 
slept, or seemed to sleep, for not a sound was heard from 
her decks. A slaver's crew, however, conscious of the risks 
they are running in their nefarious traffic, are seldom off 
their guard, and the British seamen were fully prepared for 
a reception with a shower of grape and musketry. Yet 
without a thought of the consequences — on getting close to 
her, on they dashed with a cheer, and in another instant 
were alongside and scrambling up her sides. So unexpected 
had been their attack, that not an attempt at resistance was 
made, and, to the no small delight of Lieut. Dumaresq and 
his followers, they found themselves in possession of a 
fine little schooner, which proved to be the ' Lark,' with a 
crew of no less than 30 Spaniards. They were first all 
properly secured and sent down below, with orders to 
behave themselves, and a hint that if they did not, it would 
be the worse for them. 

A slaver's crew have a right, it is understood, to try and 



318 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

retake their vessel without being treated as pirates, and 
hung in case they do not succeed, or are afterwards captured, 
so it becomes necessary to keep a very sharp look-out after 
them. Her papers were at the same time secured, and on 
her circumstances being investigated, not a doubt remained 
as to her character. 

Bending sails, and getting all ready for an early start, 
occupied some time, when the watch being set, with strict 
orders to keep a wakeful eye on the prisoners, the rest of the 
party lay down on the sails, and were soon as sound asleep 
as they would have been in their own hammocks, or in the 
quiet homes of their childhood's days, when pirates and 
slavers were rather beings of the imagination than disagree- 
able realities. 

At early dawn all hands were roused up, and the schooner 
was very soon got under weigh. There was little or no wind 
to fill her sails, so the boats' crews had to tow her down the 
river, hoping to find a breeze as they got near the mouth of 
the river to take her out. Nine miles of their distance had 
been thus accomplished, when, at about 7 o'clock, as she 
was passing through a long reach of the River Nun, a sail 
hove in sight, which was soon discovered to be a rakish two- 
topsail schooner. She stood boldly on up the river towards 
the barracoons, either not observing the little ' Lark,' or, at 
all events, not suspecting into whose hands she had fallen. 
Lieut. Dumaresq on this instantly ordered the man-of-war 
boats to be hauled up alongside of the schooner on the op- 
posite side to that on which the stranger was, so that she 
should not observe them, and, by taking fright, endeavour to 
make her escape. At the same time the pinnace and gig 
were manned and held in readiness (the crews being well 
armed) to board the schooner, Mr. Kingston receiving orders 
to remain in charge of the ' Lark ' with the cutter's crew. 
On slowly came the stranger, the light wind only just 
enabling her to stem the current. She seemed totally un- 
conscious of the neighbourhood of her enemies. On a 
sudden something seemed to awaken her suspicions, and 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 319 

Lieutenant Dumaresq, judging that the best time had ar- 
rived for taking possession, shoved off and pulled towards 
her as fast as the crews could lay their backs to the oars. 
Mr. "Kingston meantime was left in command of the ' Lark' 
with the cutter's crew, Mr. Thorburn accompanying their 
leader. Away went the boats. The stranger now, for the 
first time, was aware of her danger, or rather, certainty of 
capture, unless she could blow the approaching boats out of 
the water ; but of attempting to do so with any chance of 
success she could have had but slight hopes, as she saw that 
the ' Lark ' was in the hands of her enemies, and she could 
not tell how many people might be remaining on board to 
avenge the destruction of their comrades. Still slavers, 
when they have seen a chance of success, have often fought 
desperately, and the cutter's crew on board the 'Lark' 
watched with deep interest the approach of the two boats to 
the big schooner, not knowing what moment she might open 
her fire on them; but the slaver's crew had not even the 
brute-like courage to induce them to fight in defence of their 
accursed calling, and without firing a shot they allowed the 
two boats to come alongside. Once with their boat-hooks 
having a firm hold of the slaver's chains, the British seamen 
very quickly scrambled on board. The crew, who were 
chiefly Spaniards, made no opposition, nor did a number of 
other people, who, dressed in shore-going clothes, announced 
themselves as passengers. There was certainly a wonderfully 
sea-going look about them, though they all seemed very 
anxious to leave the vessel as fast as possible. ISTow as the 
consequences of detaining people against their will are often 
very disagreeable, Lieut. Dumaresq, whatever might have 
been his suspicions, thought it best to allow the gentlemen 
to take their departure. It was afterwards discovered that 
the fellows, who were all of them belonging to the slaver's 
crew, took on shore a very considerable number of doubloons, 
which form, in general, the most valuable portion of a prize, 
unless she has her cargo of slaves on board ; the slave-vessel 
herself and her stores rarely sell for much. What was 



320 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

called head-money has, of late years, been reduced to one- 
fourth of what it was formerly. The new prize proved to 
be the ' Asp,' a fit name for a slaver, though she was now 
effectually deprived of her sting. As soon as she was 
thoroughly overhauled, and all her forthcoming papers se- 
cured, the Spanish crew were sent below, and the man-of- 
war's boats began towing the two schooners down the river. 
It was laborious work, after the incessant labour for so 
many hours the men had gone through, but a prize tows 
easily, and the gallant fellows cheerfully bent to their oars. 
Thus the vessels proceeded on rapidly between the mangrove- 
covered banks of the river. By 5 p.m. the entrance of the 
Nun appeared in sight, and preparations were instantly 
made for crossing the bar ; I must rather say, bars, for there 
are three, one within the other, at some distance apart, and 
over them, when the current sets out and the wind blows in, 
the sea breaks with great violence, so that, under those cir- 
cumstances, the crossing them, even in a decked vessel, is a 
work of very considerable danger. On this occasion appear- 
ances were far from favourable : the wind was foul and 
blowing very strong, a heavy sea was breaking over the bars ; 
its incessant roar seeming like a warning not to venture into 
its power ; while evening was rapidly closing in, the coming 
darkness threatening to increase the difficulties to be en- 
countered. Still Mr. Dumaresq was unwilling to expose his 
followers to the baneful atmospheric influences of another 
night spent within the mouth of the river, or .to the chances 
of attack from any of the slavers' friends who might be in 
the neighbourhood, and who would always be ready to win 
back a prize at any sacrifice of the lives of the captors ; 
though that was a contingency not likely to happen. He 
was rather influenced probably by his anxiety to secure his 
prizes and to report his proceedings to his superior officer. 
The schooners had anchored just inside the inner bar, and all 
the necessary preparations having been made, and the tide 
serving, they again got under weigh. Mr. Dumaresq led in 
the 'Asp,' directing Mr. Kingston to follow in his wake. 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 321 

This Mr. Kingston did, approaching the bar on the star- 
board-tack, the ' Lark ' leaving the cutter towing astern, and 
her own boat, which could not be hoisted up on account of 
the tackles being unrove, and a net full of vegetables being 
worked athwart the davits. Neither could her boat be got 
on board, on account of the crowded state of the decks. As 
the ' Lark' drew close to the bar, the appearance of things 
in no degree mended. Hands were placed in the chains, 
who kept the lead constantly going; and, as the water 
shoaled, the schooners had to tack repeatedly, wearing some- 
times, as the heavy swell threatened otherwise to prevent 
their coming round. From the first Mr. Kingston had but 
little confidence in the black volunteer pilot who had accom- 
panied him on board the ' Lark,' and now, though he urged 
him by threats to perform the duty he had undertaken, and 
tried to stimulate him to exertion, by reminding him of his 
promised reward, he only answered, " This no my bar!" and 
finally threw himself down on the deck, under the bulwarks, 
refusing to take any further charge of the vessel. It must 
be remembered that the boats had entered the Niger by the 
Brass river, the bar of which was his bar, and that he had 
bargained to act as pilot through its mouth, so that there 
was ample excuse for the poor wretch : this, however, in no 
degree lessened the danger of the position in which the little 
' Lark ' was placed. 

It was now perfectly dark and very squally, while nothing 
was visible to mark the course the vessel should pursue but 
the phosphorescent light of the breakers stretching across 
the bar from shore to shore ; while to all appearance there 
seemed to be reef only beyond reef, destruction on which it 
was scarcely possible the schooner could escape. Though 
the ' Lark ' was pressed to the utmost, the ' Asp ' soon dis- 
tanced her; and though Lieut. Dumaresq showed lights, 
they were of little or no use in guiding her course. Squall 
after squall struck the little schooner, and as she heeled over, 
it sometimes appeared that she would never again rise, or be 
able to beat out through the tremendous surf which came 



322 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

rolling in. At length Mr. Kingston judged it wise to 
shorten sail, which he forthwith did, having set only his 
mainsail, jib, and fore-and-aft foresail (fore-trysail). He 
also sent a good hand on the fore-yard to look out for any 
break which might happily appear in the white wall of surf 
which came rolling in over the surrounding shoals. The 
little i Lark ' had now reached the innermost of the three 
bars, and was pitching into the seas, which came foaming up 
and rolling over her decks. She had the cutter towing after 
her, and astern of that was the schooner's boat. That very 
soon began to fill, and finally swamped, when it became 
necessary to cut her adrift. This was done, and she quickly 
disappeared. At about a quarter to eight a blue light was 
observed close to windward ; and as the ' Lark ' was wearing 
off the heaviest part of the bar, some voices were heard 
hailing her. It was soon discovered that they proceeded 
from the pinnace, which had apparently several hands in 
her. Again they hailed, imploring to be picked up, stating, 
as far as could be understood, that they had broken adrift 
from astern of the ' Asp ' with the gig, which was lost ; and 
from the words which reached the ' Lark,' Mr. Kingston was 
very much afraid that several lives were already lost, while 
it seemed too probable that those in the pinnace would share 
the same fate unless he could manage to get near them to 
take them on board. JSTot a moment was to be lost. The 
pinnace, it must be understood, was inside the ' Lark,' 
higher up the river, the ' Lark ' having passed her after she 
had broken adrift from the ' Asp.' In another minute she 
would have drifted among the breakers, when the destruction 
of all on board would be sealed. To pick her up under weigh 
was almost impossible ; and with the tide and heavy sea, the 
schooner could not be steered with any degree of certainty 
even near her, and could even this be done, the probabilities 
were that she would be swamped before the men could be 
got out of her. The young officer, therefore, saw that but 
one course only was open for him to pursue with any chance 
of success, and that involved immense risk both to the vessel 



LIVES PRESERVED BV NAVAL MEN. 323 

and his people. To think is to act with a British seaman in 
a case of emergency. He saw that to intercept the boat he 
must anchor, and having both anchors clear, and a hand by 
the weather one all along, he ordered it to be let go, though 
he had but two fathoms at the time under the vessel's keel ; 
while the surf from the second bar was curling up round the 
vessel's sides, threatening to make a clear sweep of her decks. 
His order to let go was perhaps not understood, or the 
Spanish crew, some thirty in number, who seeing what was 
about to be done, and expecting instant destruction in con- 
sequence, endeavoured to impede it : at all events, he had to 
rush forward and cut the stoppers with an axe, which he 
luckily had at hand. The schooner brought up all standing, 
the sea at the same instant making a terrific breach over 
her ; but the helmsman was a good hand, and sheered her 
over to the exact spot the pinnace must pass. The whole 
was the work of a moment. The boat drifted near, a rope 
was hove into her, and providentially caught by the nearly 
exhausted crew. She was hauled alongside, her people being 
got out ; while some fresh hands went down into her and 
secured her with her own cable and the end of the schooner's 
main-sheet. At the same time the schooner's fore-sheet was 
passed into the cutter as a preventer. Pour men were saved 
from the pinnace. They stated that she and the gig had 
been towing astern of the ' Asp,' with two hands in each, 
when, on crossing the inner bar, they both broke adrift to- 
gether. Instead, however, of the two men in the pinnace 
getting into the gig, which they might have managed, those 
in the smaller got into the larger boat, fancying they would 
be safer, when they found themselves totally unable to pull 
her against the tide or to guide her to shore. The ' Lark ' 
very soon after this began to drive, when the other anchor 
was dropped under foot, while they veered away on the lar- 
board cable. She now held, but the breakers made a clean 
breach over her decks, washing adrift the numerous casks, 
loose spars, fowl-coops, and a variety of other things ; and in 
addition, what was worse than all, a large scuttle-butt of 

t2 



324 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

palm-oil. Meantime, to increase the confusion and danger, 
the cutter and pinnace were striking the stern and quarters 
of the vessel with great force, often coming as far forward as 
the main chains on both sides. The Spaniards had from the 
first been very unruly, and they now gave symptoms of an 
intention of breaking into open mutiny. In addition, there- 
fore, to the variety of other duties the British seamen were 
called on to perform, it became necessary for them to keep 
their arms in readiness, to repel any sudden attack the fel- 
lows might venture to make on them for the purpose of 
regaining the schooner. The palm-oil, also, which is like 
very thick red mud, had coated the whole deck, from before 
the foremast nearly as far aft as the mainmast, making it 
more slippery even than ice, so that no one could either 
stand or walk on it. The water also had no effect on its 
greasy composition, and as there were no ashes on board to 
strew over it, one part of the deck became almost separated 
from the other. The Spaniards were evidently watching 
their opportunity, and kept eyeing the British seamen with 
no friendly intentions. They were four to one of them, and 
though deprived of their muskets and cutlasses, they had 
still the long knives in their belts, without which no Spaniard 
ever thinks his costume complete. The wretches kept up 
such a hubbub, and did so much to impede the work of the 
vessel, that some of them very nearly got shot as a hint to 
the rest of what they might expect if they proceeded to ex- 
tremities. The gallant young officer himself had little fear 
of what they might venture to do, as considering the di- 
lemma the vessel was placed in, surrounded by shoals, with 
heavy breakers close at hand, and in thick darkness, they 
could scarcely hope to get out to sea and escape that way ; 
or, if they returned up the river to avoid recapture, should 
they regain possession of the vessel. In obedience, however, 
to his written instructions, he kept some of his people under 
arms to watch the fellows. For full half an hour the little 
schooner lay in this way, it being expected every instant 
that her anchors would part, when a roller, more severe even 



LIVES PKESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 325 

than the others, threw the. cutter on board on the larboard 
quarter, breaking the bunk adrift and capsizing it. As the 
vessel rose again, the boat fell aft and immediately filled, 
when she was of necessity cut adrift to prevent her doing 
more damage ; and as soon as this was done she sank. 

Shortly after this the squalls began to become less fre- 
quent, and the breakers moderated gradually ; an opening 
also was seen in the line of sparkling foam from the fore- 
yard, so Mr. Kingston resolved to make sail and to get out of 
the river. He contrived to weigh the starboard or lee 
anchor, after very many fruitless attempts to do so, on ac- 
count of the heavy surges ; but as it was found impossible 
to purchase the weather one, it was slipped, and the schooner 
wore round under her jib in a quarter less two fathoms. A 
sharp-sighted seaman stood on the fore-yard, from whence 
he conned the vessel — the lead kept going as before. The 
mainsail was then set, and the schooner stood out towards 
the opening. which appeared in the surf. She obeyed her 
helm readily, the rocks and shoals were avoided, and at 
length the outer bar was safely passed. At about 10 p.m. 
she came up with the ' Asp,' anchored a short distance out- 
side. Lieut. Dumaresq stood with speaking-trumpet in 
hand, and hailed the ' Lark ' — " I'm glad you've got out 
safe ; but I fear four of my poor fellows are lost, and our 
two boats." " They're safe on board, and I've your boat in 
tow," was the answer. A loud congratulatory cheer from 
the British seamen on board the ' Asp ' signified their satis- 
faction at the success of Mr. Kingston's gallant exploit. He 
then anchored, and going on board the ' Asp,' was further 
thanked and congratulated by his superior officer ; for he 
had not only given up all hopes of the people in the pinnace 
and gig having escaped, but of the ' Lark ' herself, he having 
had a most perilous passage across the bars. He had struck 
three times, in one of which shocks the boats had broken 
adrift. The two schooners again weighed and ran down to 
the 'Wolverine,' lying off the Brass, ten miles distant. 
On their arrival, Mr. Kingston had the satisfaction of re- 



326 SPIRITED AXD GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

ceiving the warmest approval of his -excellent commander 
for the gallantry and judgment he had displayed. The 
vessels were afterwards sent to Sierra Leone, where they 
were condemned and cut up. 



BOY S LIFE SAVED BY LIEUT. A. B. KIXGSTOX 

Me. Kingston having taken the ' Lark' schooner to Sierra 
Leone, where she was condemned, he was appointed to 
H. M. S. ' Saracen,' which soon afterwards arrived there. 
From that place the ' Saracen' sailed for the river Gambia, 
soon after the 2nd of March. 

On the evening of the 13th of the same month, while on 
her passage there, when it was blowing fresh, with a heavy 
cross sea, a lad, aged 19, named John Plunket, fell overboard 
from the main-top-gallant-yard. In falling he struck against 
the topsail-yard and the sweeps stowed on the quarter, and 
was bleeding at the mouth, and almost senseless when he 
reached the water. The lad could not swim, and his death 
seemed inevitable, when Mr. Kingston, who was on the 
quarter-deck, without a moment's hesitation, sprung over- 
board, exclaiming to his commander as he ran aft, " Send a 
boat as quick as you can,Sir, I'll save him." He struck out 
bravely towards the poor lad, but before he could reach him, 
he sank. A cry of horror arose from all on board, for they 
thought the lad was lost, though every exertion was made to 
get a boat in the water to pick up Mr. Kingston. Plunket, 
however, again rose, and Mr. Kingston grasping hold of him, 
supported him above water, though with much difficulty, as 
the lad, who bled profusely from the mouth and nostrils, 
convulsively clung round him, and almost dragged him down 
to the bottom. Fortunately he released himself from the 
clutch of the now senseless youth, and continued to support 
him by swimming and treading water. For fear of exhaus- 
tion, he afterwards threw himself on his back, and placing 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 327 

the head of his almost inanimate shipmate on his chest, he 
kept him up for a quarter of an hour, till a boat reached 
them, and took them on board. 

On another occasion, while on the coast of Africa, in a 
spot where sharks were known to abound, Mr. Kingston 
leaped overboard after another lad who had fallen into the 
water. Fortunately the life-buoy was let go at the same 
time, and wisely catching hold of it, he towed it up to the 
sinking youth, and providentially preserved his life. I cannot 
refrain from giving the only notice he takes in his journal of 
the former circumstance. It is characteristic of the brave 
and modest seaman. " I yesterday had an opportunity of 
saving a poor lad's life, who fell overboard from the main- 
top-gallant-yard, by jumping after him. A boat picked us 
both up. Though stunned and bleeding at the mouth, he is 
recovering in his hammock." 

I give a copy of Captain Tucker's certificate relating to 
the two circumstances we have described. Mr. Kingston 
was deservedly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for his 
gallantry. 



Captain Tucker s certificate of Lieut. A. B. Kingston 's conduct. 

These are to certify to my Lords- Commissioners of the 
Admiralty, that Mr. Arthur B. Kingston (mate), served as 
supernumerary mate on board Her Majesty's sloop under my 
command, from the 28th day of November, 1829, to the date 
hereof, during which time, by his judgment and presence of 
mind, he saved the lives of four of this sloop's crew, when he 
had charge of the ' Lark' schooner (detained in the river 
here for being engaged in the slave-trade) when bringing her 
out of the river, in company with another detained schooner 
(the 'Asp ') in command of Lieut. Dumaresq, senior lieute- 
nant of this sloop, when both vessels were in imminent danger 
of being lost on the bar, over which the sea was running 
very high and breaking very heavy. The 'Asp' having 



328 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

crossed the inner bar, and being outside the ' Lark,' and on 
the outer bar, had the pinnace and gig of this sloop in a 
tremendous sea washed away from the stern, with four men in 
them. The ' Lark,' at the time being on the inner bar, with 
the sea breaking over and into the vessel, and in great 
danger of being lost. Mr. Kingston, seeing the imminent 
danger the men were in, and that they must be lost if he did 
not pick them up, let his anchor go when he considered the 
vessel in that position when, if brought up, the boat must 
drift close to him, when the sea made clear breaches over 
the vessel, and nearly filled her ; but he had the happiness of 
saving the lives of the four men in the boat, by throwing 
ropes into the boat as they drifted close by, saving not only 
the lives of the men, but the boats, having himself lost the 
boat of the vessel and the cutter of this sloop which had been 
secured astern, the cutter having been thrown by one of the 
rollers in and on the quarter of the ' Lark,' where she re- 
mained until the next sea and roll, when she fell over the 
side and sank. On picking up the boat, Mr. Kingston not 
being able to shorten in the cable and weigh, slipped the 
cable and made sail, and after many risks of striking on 
the bars, for which he had no pilot, he succeeded in taking 
the vessel out, although it was sunset when he saved the men, 
and dark before he got clear of the bar. 

" Mr. Kingston also jumped overboard from this sloop in 
the river at Sierra Leone, to save a boy who had fallen over- 
board, and, in falling, struck against the sweeps on the top- 
sail-yard, stowed on the quarter. During the time he served 
on board the ' Wolverine,' Mr. Kingston conducted himself 
in every respect very much to my satisfaction. 

" Given under my hand on board H. M. S. ' Wolverine,' 
at Sierra Leone, this 3rd day of March, 1840. 
(Signed) " William Tttckee, Commander." 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 329 



RESCUE OF CREW OF ' MINERVA ' BY MR. SLATER, SECOND 
MASTER OF H.M. MAIL-PACKET 'WIDGEON,' OFF CALAIS, 

March 10th, 1842. 

H. M. Mail Packet, of Dover, Lieut. Scriven, Commander, 
was lying in Calais Harbour on the 9th of March, 1842, 
when about 9 p.m. a heavy gale sprang up, which continued 
increasing in fury all night, and a terrific sea in consequence 
was running by the following morning. At that time, soon 
after daylight, a brig was discovered in the offing, with her 
sails blown to shivers. At about 11 a.m., she let go her 
anchor to the eastward of the pier, about a mile from the 
shore, where was a very heavy sea, which soon broke com- 
pletely over her. Here she continued for some time in a 
most critical position, pitching bows under, and threatening 
every instant to go to the bottom. At length she began to 
drag her anchors, when all hope of her preservation, unless 
the gale should suddenly abate, was small indeed. The lives 
of all on board were now placed in the greatest jeopardy, and 
since this, at about 3 o'clock, no effort being made by the 
French authorities to send to her rescue, two English gen- 
tlemen offered 50?. for the life-boat of the Humane Society 
at Calais, with the intention of getting her manned by an 
English crew, who volunteered their services. The boat, 
however, was refused on this very account ; and at length, 
with the prospect of the reward, six young men, mostly boys, 
undertook to put off in her. Instead, however,. of launching 
her close to the pier, they shoved off in the very middle of 
the breakers. After half an hour's vain and foolish attempt 
to reach the vessel, they gave it up, and returning, declared 
that the boat was injured. By this time, Mr. Slater, of the 
' Widgeon,' had come down to the beach, and with the fol- 
lowing brave fellows belonging to the same vessel, Richard 
Canney, quarter-master, Thomas Sinclair, Thomas Lawrence, 



330 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

Watkin Edwards, and Daniel Trim, able-bodied seamen ; as 
also — Nicholson, belonging to the ' Frederick,' collier of 
Sunderland, whose intrepidity and gallantry throughout was 
conspicuous, volunteered to man the first boat to be procured 
to put off to the ' Minerva.' She by this time, half-past 6 
o'clock, having cut away her anchors, in the hope of drifting 
on shore, had struck ; the tide was coming in, and the sea 
was breaking over her. 

In a short time more it was very evident that the crew 
would be washed off the wreck, and meet with a watery grave, 
though within a quarter of a mile of the shore. The cries 
of the poor fellows for help were dreadful. Twice had Mr. 
Slater, with determined perseverance in his humane object, 
to apply to the harbour-master for the use of the life-boat. 
At length he consented to give up the key of the boat-house 
and to allow the English to take it on being assured that he 
would be paid for any damage it might receive. After this 
not a moment was lost by 200 Englishmen in the lace- 
business, who, under the superintendence of Lieut. Scriven, 
the commander of the ' Widgeon,' nobly assisted in 
launching the boat through the boiling surf. The seven 
gallant men, fearless of the awful risk they ran, in the hopes 
of saving the lives of their fellow-creatures, pulled away 
on this enterprise. They started from the westward, and 
had to pass the head of the pier, a dangerous service even in 
ordinary weather. It took them half an hour to get over 
the bar, when, had it not been for the admirable manage- 
ment of Mr. Slater, and the intrepidity of his crew, the boat 
herself and all would have been lost, so terrific was the sea 
they had to encounter. In spite of it, by persevering efforts, 
they made head-way, though two hours elapsed before they 
could reach the brig. She was found to be the ' Minerva,' 
of Jersey, bound from Sunderland, William Percy, master, 
laden with coals, and of 163 tons. She was now a perfect 
wreck, her mast swinging backwards and forwards, and 
threatening every instant to destroy the boat, while the sea 
was making a clean breach over her. Seven human beings 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 331 

were clinging to the wreck, every soul of whom in ten 
minute more must have perished. With no little difficulty 
they were all hauled in safety into the boat which then in 
triumph returned to the shore. 

The Lords of the Admiralty testified their sense of the 
gallant conduct of the crew of H.M. packet ' Widgeon,' by 
presenting the sum of 51. to each of the seamen engaged 
under Mr. Slater in rescuing seven human beings belonging 
to the ' Minerva.' A public dinner was given on the 30th 
March at Calais to Lieut. Scriven, R.N., commander of the 
' Widgeon,' and to Mr. Slater — Mr. Scott, R.N., presiding. 
Five of the crew were were presented with 8/. each for their 
gallantry. Quarter-master Canney was presented with a 
piece of plate value of 121., and Mr. Slater presented with 
a piece of plate value 201. The town-council of Calais also 
voted Mr. Slater a silver cup value of 300 francs, and 
ordered silver medals to be given to the crew of the 
' Widgeon,' who accompanied him. 

Besides the gallant acts of which I have been able to give 
tolerably full accounts, I have collected notes of a number 
of others, yet a portion only of the many which have been 
performed by naval men since the Queen came to the throne. 
They all show the readiness of sailors to risk their own lives 
in the endeavour to preserve those of their fellow-creatures ; 
and I have no doubt that in another edition of this work 
I shall have the opportunity of describing a considerable 
number of other instances of gallantry and heroism, of 
which I have at present no exact information, and which 
had I, indeed, my space would scarcely allow me to give. 



MR. HENRY SHEA, ASSISTANT-SURGEON, R.N., 

MEDITERRANEAN, 

July, 1857. 

On the 8th July as H. M. S. ' Asia' was standing out to 
sea from Cagliari, in Sardinia, a seaman named Anthony 



332 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

W — jumped overboard in a fit of drunkenness ; and while 
the ship was being hove to, Mr. Henry Shea, assistant-sur- 
geon, dropped himself from the spanker-boom into the sea, 
and after struggling with the man, succeeded in keeping 
him above water until the boats reached them. 



LIEUT. F. H. STEVENS, R.N., MEDITERRANEAN, 

August, 1837. 

On the 5th August, 1837, H. M. S. ' Rodney' was on her 
passage from Palmas Bay (Sardinia) to Minorca, when a 
seaman, named James Ray, fell from the maintop-sail yard- 
arm into the sea. On the cry being raised of " A man over- 
board!" Mr. E. H. Stevens, mate, seeing the man floating 
past the quarter in a state of insensibility, without waiting 
to take off his clothes, jumped overboard, and by great ex- 
ertion, kept him above water until the boat reached them. 

LIEUT. JOHN STEPHENS, R.N., LISBON, 
December, 1837. 

On the 3rd December, 1837, an alarm was given on board 
H. M. S. ' Inconstant,' at Lisbon, of a man overboard. 
Mr. John Stephens, mate, ran to the spot whence the person 
fell, plunged overboard, dived, and succeeded, after much 
danger and difficulty, in bringing him from a considerable 
depth to the surface of the water : both were carried by the 
tide a long way astern of the ship. Mr. Stephens found it 
difficult to support the man, and both were sinking, when 
William Henry "White, seaman, fearlessly plunged from the 
topsail, swam to their relief, and supported them in the 
water, until a boat reached them. 

WILLIAM JENNINGS, COAST-GUARD* BOATMAN, 

November, 1838. 

On the 27th November, 1838, the brig ' Bellissima,' from 
Odessa to Amsterdam, was driven, during a heavy gale of 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 333 

wind, on the rocks, a mile and a half to the westward of 
Looe. She was breaking up fast, and her crew were evi- 
dently getting disheartened, when William Jennings, com- 
missioned boatman of the coast-guard, at the risk of his 
life, nobly swam off to the rock with a rope, and by throwing 
it to the vessel, the crew, thirteen in number, were enabled 
to get to the rock, from which they were taken by a boat, 
carried overland from Looe by the indefatigable exertions of 
several inhabitants of that town. 



HENRY JOHNSON, SEAMAN, ENGLAND, 
June, 1839. 

On the 20th June, 1839, a boat from H. M. sloop ' Fairy,' 
was sent up the river Stour to obtain a supply of water. 
The weather was squally, and the boat was completely 
overturned in the middle of the river by a sudden gust of 
wind. The crew were precipitated into the sea without any 
prospect of relief, there being no boat nearer to them than 
the town of Harwich. Providentially an officer of the ship 
discovered the catastrophe, and two boats were instantly 
despatched to their aid, but it was thirty minutes before 
they reached them. One of the crew, George Cochrane, 
could not swim, and Henry Johnson, regardless of himself, 
devoted his whole efforts to succour him, and finding him 
to be encumbered with heavy clothing, actually stripped 
him in the water to his shirt, and when washed away from 
the keel of the boat, restored him to it again. 

Another man, named John Stevens, at the expiration of 
twenty minutes, became exhausted and came also under 
Johnson's care, and both acknowledged that had it not been 
for his exertions they must have perished. 

INSTANCE OF COURAGE AND HUMANITY. 

Dttbing- a severe storm in the autumn of 1839, a French 
vessel was wrecked in the dead of night in "Weymouth Bay. 



334 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

A coast-guard man, named John Mantle, thinking he saw 
human beings moving on the deck, jumped into the raging 
sea and swam to her. On getting on board he found two 
boys and the captain, who had broken his leg, on the deck. 
Mantle took the boys safely to shore, and then, returning to 
the wreck with a rope, which was made fast to the shore, he 
slung the captain in a running tackle, and he was safely 
landed. The gallant fellow then groped in the cabin to find 
if any living being remained, and afterwards jumped into 
the sea, and swam to the shore in safety. He was rewarded 
by the Humane Society and Lloyd's, and received a beautiful 
watch, with a suitable inscription, from the inhabitants of 
Weymouth, 20/. by vote of the Lords of the Treasury, and 
51. from the Shipwreck Association, besides being promoted 
in the service ; all which honours he received with great 
modesty, declaring that the result of his endeavours was his 
richest reward. 



ARTHUR HASSETT, BOATMAN, COAST-GUARD, COVE OF CORK, 
October, 1839. 

On the 24th October, 1839, Ralph Allen fell from the Eevenue 
Quay into the water in the harbour of the Cove of Cork, 
when a strong ebb tide was carrying him off. Arthur Hassett, 
revenue boatman, saw the accident, jumped in with his clothes 
on, and brought Allen safe to shore. Hassett has on three 
previous occasions been instrumental in saving life at the 
risk of his own. 

COMMANDER ALDRIDGE, R.N., VASIKA BAY, 
October, 1839. 

On the 4th October, 1839, John Burke, a seaman belonging 
to H.M.S. 'Pembroke,' commanded by Captain Moresby, 
then lying in Vasika Bay, fell overboard, and, the man being 
unable to swim, was in the act of being carried away by the 
current. Commander Aldridge, of the ' Pembroke,' observ- 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN". 335 

ing from tlie poop the inevitable fate of the seaman, leaped 
from thence a height of 30 feet into the sea, and succeeded 
in saving him. 

MR. RICHARDS, R.N., OFF BRIGHTON, 
June, 1842. 

On the morning of the 13th of June, 1842, Mr. Matthew 
Richards, about 17 years of age, and acting-master's assistant 
of H.M. brig ' Nautilus,' jumped in the most gallant manner 
from the hammock-netting of that vessel into the sea on 7 
Brighton, and saved the life of a boy who had fallen over- 
board. The boy was unable to swim, and, being exhausted 
by his struggles, was sinking at the moment Mr. Bichards 
arrived to his rescue. The crew were cleaning decks at the 
time, and the noise consequent upon that operation prevented 
the boy's cries from being heard; it would, therefore, have 
been impossible to have cleared away a boat in sufficient 
time to have saved him. 

ABRAHAM HART YOUNGS, CHIEF BOATMAN OF FISHERGATE 

STATION, 

January, 1843. 

On the 13th of January, 1843, the smack ' Prince Regent,' 
of London, was driven on shore at Fishergate station ; and, 
on her being observed in distress, Lieut. Franklin, and the 
chief boatman of Blaekrock, Lieut. Pratt, with the Brighton 
crew and rockets and life-boat (which latter was found upon 
her arrival not to be required), Mr. Stanbridge and the Hove 
crew, and Abraham Hart Youngs, chief boatman of Fisher- 
gate, and his crew, proceeded to her assistance, and rescued 
the whole of the crew. The gallant conduct of Abraham 
Hart Youngs was very conspicuous, he having been hauled 
on board through a heavy surf, in which lie had also to con- 
tend with the malevolent efforts of some fishermen to detain 
him and throw him down ; he, however, succeeded in sling- 
ing the crew and landing them. 



336 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 



JAMES DORAN, SEAMAN, 
January, 1843. 
On the 5th of January, 1843, James Doran, an able seaman 
of H.M.S. ' Vanguard,' at Port Mahon, perilled his own life 
to save that of a shipmate, in a manner that called forth 
the admiration of the whole of the officers and crew of that 
ship. It blew a violent gale of wind at N. by E. ; the top- 
masts were struck, and when at its greatest fury, a man fell 
overboard who could not swim. James Doran gallantly 
dashed into the sea, and succeeded in bringing the poor 
fellow alongside, although he was quite dead from the effects 
of his submersion. 

MR. THOMAS DAVIS, MATE, R.N., AND JOSEPH BRATHWAITE, 

SEAMAN, R.N., BANTRY BAY, 

January, 1844. 

In the month of January, 1844, Her Majesty's steamer 
' Flamer ' was lying at anchor in Bantry Bay, when the 
jolly-boat belonging to that vessel was capsized through the 
boys letting go the brails too soon, while in the act of wear- 
ing. The life of one of the boys was saved through the 
coolness of Mr. Thomas Davis, mate of the ' Flamer,' who 
was in the boat at the time. Instead of swimming for the 
ship, he remained with the boy until assistance reached him. 
Joseph Brathwaite, sailmaker, seeing the other boy was 
sinking, instantly jumped overboard and brought him on 
board in a senseless state. He had, on a previous occasion, 
been the means of saving two lives. It was blowing very 
hard at the time, which rendered their services more difficult. 

MR. W. C. GEARY, MATE, R.N., GULF OF EGINA, 

August, 1844. 

On the 24th August, 1844, a tender belonging to Her Ma- 
jesty's surveying-vessel ' Beacon,' in charge of Mr. W. C. 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 337 

G-eary, mate, was occupied in taking soundings in the G-ulf 
of Egeria. In reefing the mainsail, the iron strop round the 
gaff, to which the peak-halliards are hooked, was carried 
away, and the gaff, in descending, struck John M' Cardie, 
seaman, who was standing to leeward, so violently on the 
head, that he was stunned, and fell overboard. Mr. Greary, 
who was abaft, immediately jumped after him, and getting 
hold of him under his arm, succeeded in keeping his head 
above water until picked up by a boat sent from the vessel. 



LIEUT. F. P. WARREN, R.N., IN MADRAS ROADS, 
June, 1845. 

On the 9th of June, 1845, John Newinan, seaman, serving 
on board H.M.S. ' Fox,' in the Madras Eoads, fell from the 
mizen top-sail yard overboard, whilst exercising, striking, in 
his descent, the davit-guy, breaking both collar-bones, and 
bruising his head ; and in this state most probably would 
have been drowned had it not been for the prompt assistance 
afforded him by Lieut. F. P. Warren, R.N., who sprang 
into the water, and succeeded in sustaining the man above 
the surface until a boat picked them up. The usual heavy 
Madras swell was running at the time. 

LIEUT. WILLIAM E. FISHER, R.N., COVE OF CORK, 
November, 1845. 

On the night of the 17th November, 1845, a seaman, one of 
the gig's crew of the ' Crocodile,' flag-ship, at the Cove of 
Cork, when walking on the stage leading to the ' Fredonia,' 
merchant-vessel, alongside of which his boat was temporarily 
made fast, having slipped, fell into the river, a strong tide 
and heavy sea on at the time, the night dark, and blowing a 
terrific gale. Mr. "W. E. Fisher, senior mate of H.M.S. 
1 Crocodile,' the officer in charge of the boat, observing that 
the man was stunned from the fall, and unable to assist him- 
self, leaped from the deck of the ' Fredonia,' swam to his 



338 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

assistance, and with great exertions brought him on shore in 
a senseless state. It was a considerable time before the man 
recovered, and the gallant officer was so much exhausted that 
it nearly cost him his life. 



LIEUT. HENRY W. HIRE, R.N., MEDITERRANEAN, 
December, 1845. 

Ok the 12th December, 1845, William Eichardson, A.B., of 
Her Majesty's steam-sloop ' Hecla,' was washed off the 
forecastle, whilst securing the anchor, between the islands of 
Cyprus and Rhodes : a heavy sea was running at the time. 
The ship was backed and stopped within a short distance of 
the unfortunate man, who was then exhausted, and on the 
point of going down, when Mr. Henry W. Hire, First- 
lieutenant, in a most gallant manner, at the risk of his own 
life, jumped overboard, and supported him until a boat was 
lowered that picked them both up. 

COMMANDER WOOLDRIDGE AND MR. BIRTWHISTLE, 
MATE, R.N., SHEERNESS, 
June, 1845. 

On the 9th June, 1845, whilst at anchor off Sheerness, when 
reefing, owing to a point slipping through the hand of one of 
the seamen, he fell from the fore-topsail yard of H.M.S. 
' Spy ' overboard, striking the fore-rigging and spars in the 
chains, broke his arm, and received violent contusions in 
many parts of his body. Lieut. -Commander "Wooldridge, 
being on deck and seeing the man sinking, jumped after him, 
dressed as he was, with the hope of getting a rope round 
him; finding, however, when he was in the water, from 
having heavy clothes on and a thick pair of wash-deck shoes, 
and not being a very good swimmer, he was too heavy to 
trust hhnself too near a sinking man, he swam round him, 
occasionally lifting him, and encouraging him by talking to 
him. Mr. Birt whistle, mate, the moment he saw the danger, 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 339 

threw off his jacket and shoes, and sprang after them, and 
being a strong swimmer and disencumbered, kept the man 
up. The tide was running very strong at the time, and they 
had thereby drifted about four times the ' Spy's ' length 
from her, when they were all eventually picked up in a very 
exhausted state by a boat crossing the harbour. 



LIEUT. NEWMAN, R.N., AND BOAT'S CREW, COAST-GUARD, 

DUNGENESS, 
January, 1846. 

The ' New Mora ' pilot-boat of Dover was wrecked at 
Dungeness on the 22nd January, 1846. On the circum- 
stance being made known to Lieut. Newman, B,.N., of the 
Dymchurch Coast-guard station, by one of the men who had 
providentially succeeded in swimming on shore through the 
surf, he proceeded immediately to the spot, and ordered his 
boat to be drawn round by land, a distance of a mile and 
a half, to a convenient place for launching, where she was 
manned by the lieutenant with a hardy crew of five men. 
After buffeting for some time with the waves, they succeeded 
in reaching the ill-fated vessel, and found the boats washed 
away, and the crew, consisting of five men, obliged to take 
to the rigging, the sea making a clean sweep over her, and 
thereby rendering it very hazardous for the galley to ap- 
proach. The gallant commander and tars, nothing daunted, 
determined to rescue their fellow-creatures, which they 
ultimately effected. 

MR. F. S. GIBSON, R.N., GRAND BASSA, AFRICA, 
January, 1846. 

On the 12th of January, 1846, while crossing the Grand 
Bassa, in Liberia (Africa), one of the 'Lily's' boats, con- 
taining Mr. F. S. Gibson, paymaster and purser, and five 
other men belonging to the said sloop, was pulling for the 
mouth of the river ; and when in the act of crossing the 

z2 



340 SPIRITED and GALLANT exploits. 

bar, the rollers broke heavily, and the sea washed oyer the 
stern of the boat and capsized it. Soon after the accident 
one of the crew, James Monk, was missing, when Mr. Gibson 
plunged in, dived, and, with the greatest difficulty and ex- 
ertion, swam with him to the boat, very much exhausted. 



LIEUT. TATHAM, R.N., CHATHAM, 
April, 1846. 

On the night of the 22nd April, 1846, a marine fell into the 
river Medway from H. M. S. ' [Raleigh,' and was rescued by 
the timely assistance of Lieut. Edward Tatham, who, leaving 
his bed, lowered himself down the vessel's side, and sup- 
ported the man (who had also hold of a rope) until a boat 
picked up both in an exhausted state. 

COMMANDER J. W. FINCH, R.N., PORTSMOUTH, 

July, 1846. 

On the 16th July, 1846, as James Bradford, a "seaman, was 
casting loose the frapping of the jolly-boat on the starboard 
quarter of the ' Naiad,' 64-gun frigate, under the command 
of Lieut. J. W. Pinch, the boat swung or heeled over, and 
the man fell over the bows into the water at a time when 
the tide was running with unusual strength out of the har- 
bour, and the wind blowing nearly half a gale. The cry of 
"A man overboard!" was instantly raised, when Lieut. 
Finch, who was in his cabin dressing at the time, looked out 
and saw the man struggling with the tide. He threw off 
what garments encumbered him, and plunged through the 
port into the water. At this time Bradford had sunk twice, 
and was carried at a rapid rate from the ship, being no 
swimmer. Mr. Finch, however, followed, and persevered in 
his humane exertions to save the man's life, in which he 
happily succeeded, after being in the water a quarter of 
an hour, and got his man (to all appearance dead) on board 
a victualling-hoy, where the usual remedies were applied. 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 341 

This was not the first time Mr. Pinch had similarly risked 
his own life to save that of his fellow-creatures. In 1840 
he, assisted by three others, saved the crew of a vessel, 
wrecked off Seaharn, and received the honorary bronze medal 
of the Royal Humane Society. 



MR. CHARLES E. H. FARRANT, MASTER'S ASSISTANT, R.N., 
VALPARAISO, 
September, 1848. 
On the 5th September, 1848, at 5 a.m., whilst H. M. S. 
1 Samson ' was at anchor off Valparaiso, James Smith, private 
marine, then engaged stopping his hammock on the gantlin, 
lost his balance, and fell overboard. It being quite dark at 
the time, and he not able to swim, with a heavy swell and a 
set of current out of the bay, he was carried away from the 
ship; when Mr. Tarrant, master's assistant, mate of the 
watch (a young officer only 17 years of age, and at sea for 
the first time), ran to the sponson, and, observing that the 
man was in imminent danger, instantly jumped overboard 
into 30 fathoms' water, and swam to his assistance. Some 
minutes elapsed before Mr. Tarrant could reach him. He 
at length succeeded in getting hold of the man, and had 
made considerable progress on his return to the ship with 
him, when a boat reached them, but not until after he had 
been taken twice or thrice under water, through the man 
clinging so closely to him. 

LIEUTENANT SHERARD OSBORNE, R.N., PORTSMOUTH, 

September, 1848. 

Off the 20th September, 1848, while H.M.S. < Dwarf 1 was 

fitting out in the basin of Portsmouth Dockyard (the depth 
of water at the time being 27 feet), the attention of Lieu- 
tenant Sherard Osborne was suddenly drawn to the cry of 
"A boy overboard !" when, without the slightest preparation, 
but with his full uniform on, including his sword, he jumped 



342 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

in, and catching at a rope (which, however, proved not to 
be made fast to the vessel), he saved a second-class boy of 
the same ship, who, but for the gallant conduct of Lieutenant 
Osborne, must inevitably have been drowned. 

HENRY LAUGHRIN, BOATSWAIN'S MATE, H.M.S. 'CALLIOPE,' 
RIO DE JANEIRO, 
November, 1848. 
On the 1st November, 1848, Captain Edward Stanley, of 
H.M.S. ' Calliope,' whilst returning from the shore to his 
ship in his gig, was upset, together with the rest of his 
boat's crew, owing to the boat being caught aback in a 
sudden squall ; when Henry Laughrin, boatswain's mate of 
the same ship, gallantly jumped overboard at the risk of his 
own life, and saved Captain Stanley, whose life was greatly 
endangered (though an expert swimmer) by a man clinging 
to him. Several of the boat's crew were also rescued by the 
noble conduct displayed by Laughrin. 

This was the third instance of Laughrin' s courage and 
humanity, he having saved the lives of two shipmates in the 
years 1845 and 1848. 

JOHN HUGGINS, QUARTER-MASTER OF H.M.S. ' SCOURGE,' - 
TRINIDAD, ETC., 
February, 1849. 
It> t February, 1849, whilst H.M.S. ' Scourge ' was at anchor 
off the island of Trinidad, a boy named Thomas Burgess, of 
the same ship, fell overboard, when John Huggins, quarter- 
master, prompted by the most gallant spirit, instantly jumped 
overboard, and, by diving, fortunately rescued the boy from 
drowning, but not without encountering very great risk of 
his own life, owing to the number of sharks which infest 
those waters. Independent of this gallant act, Huggins, 
during his short career at sea (being still a very young man) 
had, by his humane and meritorious conduct, been fortunate 
enough to save at different periods eleven lives. 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 343 



COMMANDER J. W. TARLETON, R.N., GENOA, 
March, 1849. 

On the 21st March, 1849, a seaman named Hayes, whilst 
employed painting ship at Genoa, fell overboard, and not 
being able to swim, would inevitably have been drowned 
before assistance could have reached him but for the intrepid 
and gallant conduct of Commander J. "W. Tarleton, E.N., 
of H.M.S. 'Vengeance,' who instantly jumped overboard 
from his cabin-port and succeeded in saving the poor fellow 
from a watery grave, and he was promptly got on board 
again, to the delight of all hands. The praiseworthy and 
noble act obtained for Commander Tarleton the admiration 
of every one in the ship. 

He had previously received the thanks of the American 
Government for his exertions in 1847, when he went to the 
assistance of the crew of the U.S. brig ' Somers,' which 
foundered off the port of Yera Cruz. 



COMMANDER OLIVER JONES, R.N., COVE OF CORK, 
March, 1849. 

On the 24th March, 1849, as H.M.S. ' Ganges' was lying 
at the outer anchorage of the Cove of Cork, Edward Gal- 
loway, a seaman belonging to that ship, fell from the futtock 
shrouds into the water, striking several times against the 
rigging and the ship's side, when Lieut. Oliver Jones im- 
mediately ordered Fisbee's life-buoy's ropes to be thrown 
to him ; but the man, who was stunned by the fall, was 
unable to avail himself of the use of them, and sank in 
between nine and ten fathoms; upon which Lieut. Oliver 
Jones, in the most gallant manner, at great risk of his own 
life, leaped overboard, and dived after him, and brought him 
up in a state of insensibility, and held him until furthei 



344 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 

assistance was procured. But for the prompt and spirited 
conduct of this officer, the man's life would have been lost. 

Lieut. Oliver Jones had previously saved the life of a 
seaman belonging to H.M.S. ' Melville,' in Halifax harbour, 
on the 4th June, 1837. 

LIEUT. C. S. STANHOPE, R.N., H.M.S. 'ASIA,' AT SEA, 
August, 1850. 

On the 7th August, 1850, on the passage from Valparaiso 
to Pisco, in lat. 19° south, and long. 75° west, about 6 p.m., 
while exercising furling sails, two men fell overboard from 
the main-top-sail yard. One of these men caught hold of a 
rope and was saved unhurt : the other man in his fall struck 
his head against the main channel, and fell into the water 
senseless, but not dead. 

Lieut. C. S. Stanhope, being then on the poop, saw his 
helpless state, and immediately, with great coolness and ex- 
cellent judgment, jumped into the main channel, and thence 
overboard, to save the wounded man from drowning. 

Lieut. Stanhope, supporting the man in the water, swam 
with him to a life-buoy which had been let go on the first 
alarm, where he remained with the man until brought on 
board by the boats which were lowered. 

MR. T. H. JULIAN, SECOND-MASTER, R.N., PLYMOUTH, 
July, 1851. 

On the 15th July, 1851, a boy named Stephens, belonging 
to H.M.S. ' St. George,' at Hamoaze, fell overboard, and as 
the tide was running strong, he soon drifted away. A sea- 
man named Boyd jumped after him, but not being able to 
swim, could render little assistance ; both being, therefore, 
in a perilous situation, Mr. T. H. Julian, second master, the 
officer of the watch, gallantly plunged overboard, and pro- 
videntially sustained them until rescued by a boat when at 
a considerable distance. 



LIVES PRESERVED BY NAVAL MEN. 345 

Mr. Julian was full dressed. This was not the first in- 
stance of his gallant and humane conduct. 



LIEUT. SAUMAREZ, R.N., H.M.S. ' VOLCANO,' OFF 

SIERRA LEONE, AFRICA, 

March, 1851. 

On the evening of the 31st of March, 1851, a seaman named 
Sullivan, of H.M.S. 'Volcano/ fell overboard off Sierra 
Leone, while under weigh. Lieut. Saumarez, who was in 
the gun-room at the time, on the alarm being given, in- 
stantly rushed on deck, jumped overboard, and succeeded, 
after much difficulty, in rescuing him. Lieut. Saumarez has, 
in several instances, displayed similar acts of bravery in 
saving the lives of his fellow-creatures. 



CHARLES LOXTON, SAILMAKER's MATE, H.M.B. 'ROLLA,' 

DOVER, 

August, 1851. 

On the 26th of August, 1851, while H.M. brig * Eolla ' was 
proceeding into Dover Roads, at a distance of six miles from 
shore, and going at the rate of four knots, with studding 
sails set on both sides, a naval apprentice, in descending 
from the main rigging, accidentally fell overboard, when 
Charles Loxton, a sail-maker's mate, gallantly jumped over- 
board and succeeded in reaching him, and, after severe exer- 
tion, swam with him to the line of the patent log which was 
towing astern, where he continued to hold the boy with cool 
presence of mind until assistance arrived : the crew being 
at breakfast, a quarter of an hour elapsed before the ship 
was rounded to and a boat lowered, and when hauled in, 
Loxton was completely exhausted. 



346 SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 



MR. SKEAD, SECOND-MASTER, AND MR. LAMBE, MIDSHIP- 
MAN, R.N., OF H.M.S. ' TRAFALGAR,' OFF MALTA, 
1852. 
On the afternoon of the 5th of February, 1852, while 
H. M. S. ' Trafalgar,' Captain Grreville, was going through 
a heavy sea off Malta, Mr. Sheepshanks, a cadet, lost his 
balance while sky-larking on the poop, and fell from the 
upper-stern gallery into the sea. The alarm was instantly 
given, when the second master, Mr. Skead, plunged from 
the gun-room port, and picking up a chair that had been 
thrown overboard, he swam towards the drowning lad : on 
his approach, the boy, exhausted, gave a scream, and sunk ; 
but quickly rising, Mr. Skead was enabled to push the chair 
within his grasp, and, throwing himself on his back, he con- 
tinued to support him until assistance arrived. In the mean- 
time Mr. Lambe, midshipman, jumped off the poop, a height 
of upwards of 40 feet, and ultimately succeeded in saving 
his little messmate and Mr. Skead, who, from his great exer- 
tions, was taken into the boat in a state of convulsions. 

On being asked by Captain Grreville, why he had en- 
countered so much danger, Lambe gallantly replied, " Oh, 
Sir, young Sheepshanks is the pet of the mess ; we could not 
afford to lose him, at any rate !" 

MR. WARD, BOATSWAIN, R.N., H.M.S. ' GLADIATOR,' 
AFRICA, 
1851. 
On the coast of Africa, the 28th May, 1851, W. McCarthy, 
a seaman belonging to H.M.S. ' Gladiator,' fell from the 
fore sponson overboard. Mr. Ward, boatswain, without a 
moment's hesitation, gallantly plunged after him, and, 
although the ship was going at the rate of nine knots an 
hour, succeeded in holding him above water until assistance 
arrived : this making the ninth person Mr. "Ward, by his 
intrepidity, has rescued. 



LIVES PRESEEVED BY NAVAL MEN. 347 



COMMANDER ALAN H. GARDNER, H.M.S. % WATER WITCH, * 

AFRICA, 

1851. 

On the 7th of October, 1851, at 8 p.m., as H.M.S. < "Water- 
witch' was anchoring at Monrovia, on the west coast of 
Africa, a boy named Clarke, fell overboard ont of the fore- 
rigging. Commander Gardner, thongh dressed in heavy 
blanket clothes and thick boots, immediately jumped over- 
board and saved the boy. There was a strong tide running, 
and it was perfectly dark : the boy's struggles were so great, 
and so much time elapsed before assistance could reach them, 
owing to the sailors being aloft furling sails, that they were 
both in the act of sinking, and Captain Gardner was taken 
up almost lifeless. 



LIEUT. PYNE, R.N., H.M.S. ' PRINCE REGENT,' LISBON, 

December, 1851. 

On the 26th of December, 1851, at Lisbon, a seaman named 
Edward Clements, let go his hold on the mainyard and fell 
with a fearful crash on the lower-port deck, and from thence 
overboard ; Mr. Frederick Pyne, mate of the upper deck, 
immediately sprang from the starboard gangway after him, 
and swam to his assistance ; but having on the whole of his 
uniform, had great difficulty in keeping Clements up ; the 
only boat near was Captain Halstead's gig, which was on 
the port side ; he sunk twice, the poor fellow he supported 
being so heavy from the effects of the fall. Captain Cald- 
well, seeing the danger of both officer and man, plunged in 
to their aid ; and by this time the dingy, and Captain Hal- 
stead's gig rescued them from their perilous situation. This 
is the third instance in which Mr. Pyne has been the means 
of rescuing a fellow- creature under similar circumstances. 



SPIRITED AND GALLANT EXPLOITS. 



MR. SULLIVAN, MIDSHIPMAN OF H.M.S. ' MEGyERA,' AT SEA, 

1852. 

On the 29th of May, 1852, four days after the departure of 
H.M.S. ' Megsera," from St. Vincent, an act of great daring 
was performed. The ship was going seven knots through 
the water, when William Tizzard, captain of the fore-top, in 
the performance of his duty, unfortunately fell overboard from 
the main-yard. Mr. Sullivan, midshipman of H.M.S. 'Me- 
gsera,' with all his clothes on, immediately jumped from the 
poop, a height of 20 feet, into the sea, and happily succeeded 
in seizing the man, who could not swim, conveying him to a 
life-buoy, and keeping him above water until they were both 
secured by the ship's boats. 



COMMANDER TARLETON, H.M.S. « FOX,' RANGOON, 
1852. 

On Saturday morning the 2nd of October, 1852, a seaman, 
whilst employed in painting the ship at Rangoon, missed his 
footing and fell overboard, and not being able to swim, must 
have perished, but for the promptitude and humanity of 
Commander Tarleton, of H.M.S. 'Fox,' who instantly jumped 
from his cabin window, and succeeded in saving the poor 
fellow from a watery grave. 

This was the second occasion on which Commander Tarle- 
ton saved a seaman's life under similar circumstances. 



( 349 ) 



ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAYERS 
IN VARIOUS PARTS OE THE WORLD. 



ATTACK ON TAMATAVE, MADAGASCAR, 

1845. 

The Island of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, lies 40 
leagues east of the continent of Africa, from which it is 
separated by the Mozambique Channel. The country yields 
many sorts of timber, as well as indigo, crystals, tortoise- 
shell, ebony, gums, honey, and other valuable productions ; 
but civilization is in a backward state. The inhabitants are 
generally tall, well made, and of an olive complexion, with 
black but not woolly hair. They are divided into a number 
of tribes, and the island into 28 provinces, each of which has 
its chief, or long, whose riches consist chiefly in cattle and 
slaves. They are all tributary to the Ovahs, whose chief is, 
in fact, king of the island, the seat of government being 
Tamatave. 

In 1845 this dignity was vested in a female, the Queen 
Ranavala Manjaka. 

In June, 1845, H.M. frigate ' Conway,' and his French 
Majesty's ships the ' Zelee ' and the ' Berceau,' met in 
Tamatave Roads, according to an arrangement agreed to by 
the Governors of Bourbon and the Mauritius. The object 
of their voyage was to obtain from Ranavala Manjaka less 
harsh conditions than those which she had imposed upon 
the European traders, whom she had threatened with imme- 
diate expulsion and the confiscation of their property, if 
they did not become naturalized Malagash, that is, slaves. 
The representatives of the two nations not having succeeded 
in their negotiations, an obstinate combat took place, in 



350 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS 

which the English had 4 men killed and 1- officer and 11 
men wounded. The French, 3 officers and 14 men killed, 
and 1 officer and 42 men wounded. 

On the afternoon of the 15th, 350 men, of whom 100 
were French soldiers, and the others belonging to the crews 
of the three ships, under the command of Captain Feiseck 
and Lieut. Heseltine, landed and advanced across a plain, 
under a sharp fire from the forts and battery of grape and 
musketry. The enemy was driven out of the battery, and 
the guns spiked. The outwork, or screen, which had been 
supposed to be the fort itself, was stormed and taken. They 
here discovered the real fort, which was a circular one, and 
mounting about thirty guns, which were casemated, and in 
a circular gallery. The wall was about thirty feet high, and 
surrounded by a ditch of about the same width. Possession 
was kept of the top of the screen for upwards of half an- 
hour, and a constant fire kept up. Having no means of 
breaching the wall, and the men falling fast, they retired, 
carrying off a flag, for the possession of which the French 
and English sailors disputed for a long time. The flag-staff 
had been shot through, and it fell inside the circular fort on 
the edge of which it had stood ; it was then put on a lance, 
or something of the kind, and stuck again on the wall, in a 
crevice of the stones. It was shot away again, and this 
time it fell outwards, hanging down within a few feet of the 
bottom of the ditch, between the inner fort and the screen. 
Two English sailors and a midshipman, and two or three 
Frenchmen, made a rush into the ditch after it, seized it, 
and neither party being able to get it from the other, after 
struggling a considerable time for it, in the very hottest 
part of the Malagash fire, they were about to come to cutlass 
blows with one another, when Lieut. Kennedy, of the 
' Conway,' to prevent mischief, rushed down, and with his 
knife cut it, giving half to each party. The standard was of 
pure white, with the queen's name, " Eanavala Manjaka," in 
large letters ; two or three letters remained with the flag- 
staff. The English got the " Manjaka," and the French, 



EST VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 351 

the major part of the "Banavala;" the English the "fly," 
and the French the "luff" of the colour, as the sailors say. 

In returning from this admirable arrangement, Lieut. 
Kennedy was getting through one of the embrasures in the 
screen, when the gun went off and killed several men, but he 
escaped with a wound from a splinter through both thighs. 
The guard-house, custom-house, and a considerable part of 
the town were burnt. The firing from the men-of-war was 
pronounced excellent. The English and Erench landed 
next day, and carried off all the remaining European pro- 
perty. The wounded were all brought off, but not the 
killed, whose heads were next day exposed on the beach, 
stuck on pikes. The men-of-war, and all the merchant-ships 
there, sailed from the harbour. Nearly all the Malagash 
balls had passed over the ships, which were anchored about 
800 yards from the shore. 

LIEUT. F. J. D'AGUILAR DEFEATS AN ATTEMPT TO RETAKE 
A PRIZE CAPTURED BY H.M.S. 'GRECIAN,' BRAZIL, 

1848. 

The ' Grecian,' having captured a clipper, Brazilian her- 
maphrodite brig, with nearly 500 slaves on board, Lieut. 
D'Aguilar was placed in charge of her as prize-master, with 
ten men, and ordered to proceed to Bahia, the sloop fol- 
lowing him thither. The prize duly arrived, and anchored 
at Bahia before the ' Grecian,' and not the slightest sus- 
picion was entertained but that she was safe. In the course 
of the day, however, Lieut. D'Aguilar received some hints 
to the effect that a combination was being made on shore 
among the slavers to attempt to retake the prize, and 
although nothing definite was communicated, it was suffi- 
cient warning to him to be on the alert, and to take pre- 
cautions which saved him and his men from being massacred. 
The evening passed off without disturbance, but, about ten 
o'clock at night, several boats from the shore were scon 
pulling for the brig, containing, it was estimated, 150 



352 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS 

Brazilians. As they neared the prize, they vv ere hailed, and 
ordered to keep off, but with some boldness they advanced 
alongside. Having approached too near to be agreeable, 
Lieut. D'Aguilar endeavoured to check them by a discharge 
of musketry, and this commenced a most severe conflict, as 
the fire was returned by the pirates as they dashed along- 
side and attempted to board. That firmness and undaunted 
bravery, however, which is characteristic of British seamen, 
was here displayed in an eminent degree, and the Brazilians, 
with their overpowering numbers, were completely beaten 
off by Lieut. D'Aguilar and his little band, with a loss, on 
the enemy's side it is said, of upAvards of 10 killed and 30 
wounded. As may naturally be supposed, where the con- 
test was one at close quarters, and where each of the gallant 
defenders had so many assailants to wait upon, they did not 
come out of the melee unscathed. Scarcely one of them 
escaped a mark, and several of them were severely wounded. 
Lieut. D'Aguilar received many hurts about the head. It 
subsequently transpired that it was the intention of the 
Brazilians to have silently got alongside the vessel, and to 
have secured the prize-crew. They would then have cut the 
cables and made sail, to land the cargo of slaves at another 
part of the coast. This affair was the theme of general 
applause in the squadron on the station. 

DESTRUCTION OF A CHINESE PIRATE FLEET BY H. M. S. 
* COLUMBINE' AND ' FURY/ AND STEAMER ' CANTON/ 
CHINA, . 

1849. 

The Chinese pirate chief Chin-a-poo first became known to 
the foreign community of China as the murderer of Captain 
Da Costa and Lieut. Dwyer, in .February, 1849, at Hong 
Kong. On the discovery of his crime, he fled from the 
island; a reward of 100?. sterling was put upon his head, 
but nothing was heard of him until the 30th of September 
following, when he was found at the head of a formidable 



IN VAEIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 353 

pirate fleet of 23 sail, averaging 500 tons each, and mounting 
12 to 18-pounder carronades. H.M.S. ' Columbine ' and 
( Fury,' and the Oriental Steam Navigation Company's ves- 
sel ' Canton/ were despatched in search of him, and dis- 
covered the squadron in one of his dockyards, upon the 
north-east coast, called " Pirates' Cove," not 50 miles dis- 
tant from Hong Kong. All the junks were destroyed by 
fire, besides three new ones on the stocks and two dock- 
yards ; and of the 1,800 men who manned them, about 1,400 
were killed, the rest being dispersed without a place to fly to. 
After the destruction of his fleet, the pirate chief fled into 
the interior of China, and nothing more was heard of him up 
to February, 1851, when he was unexpectedly delivered up, 
bound and gagged, on board the H.E.I. Company's steamer 
1 Phlegethon.' He was tried for the murder, and sentenced 
to transportation for life ; but while the convict-ship was 
waiting to convey him to Penang, he crowned his desperate 
career by strangling himself in his cell in the Hong Kong 
prison. 

DESTRUCTION OF PIRATES BY H. M. S. ' MEDEA,' CHINA, 
March, 1850. 

At the request of the Chinese authorities at Cawloon, oppo- 
site Hong Kong, H.M.S. ' Medea,' Captain Lockyer, Avas 
despatched with a mandarin on board to Kut-o, a bay about 
thirty-five miles from Hong Kong, in search of pirates. 
Thirteen piratical junks and four cargo junks were found at 
anchor, twelve of the number swept in shore on the appear- 
ance of the steamer, one of the largest remaining at anchor 
without offering the slightest resistance. As it became dark 
the paddle-box boats were despatched, under the command of 
Mr. "William Brodie, acting-master, with orders to take 
possession of the junks which had swept in shore; but finding 
that he was resisted, Captain Lockyer proceeded to his 
assistance in the gig, accompanied by the pinnace of H.M.S. 
1 Hastings,' commanded by Lieut. Webber, and the 'Medea's ' 

2 a 



354< ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAYERS 

cutter under the command of Lieut. Gibbons, and found 
Mr. Brodie very closely pressed by a large number of pirates, 
who made strong endeavours to recapture the junks. 

All were, however, brought to the ship, and eight de- 
stroyed, one caught fire and blew up, and the remainder, 
which were recent captures hastily fitted up for piratical 
purposes, were given up to their owners who were pointed 
out by the mandarin. There were no casualties amongst 
•the English force. 

COMMANDER HAY DESTROYS PIRATE FLEET, CHINA, 

October, 1850. 

In the month of October, 1850, a squadron under Com- 
mander Hay, consisting of H.M. steam sloops ' Columbine ' 
and ' Fury,' and the East India Company's steam sloop 
' Phlegethon,' left Hong Kong in pursuit of a great piratical 
fleet on the 8th, and proceeding along the coast, arrived at 
Hainan on the 13th, where they met with a most cordial 
reception from the Chinese authorities, who prepared a 
small force of eight war-junks to co-operate with them, and 
offered a mandarin to accompany them, who was accordingly 
received on board the ' Eury .' The squadron set sail again from 
Hainan on the 14th ; on the 16th reached Chook-shan, which 
the pirate fleet had left five days before, and found the same 
sad story of towns destroyed, men murdered, and women taken 
away marking its track along the coast. After a close search 
all along the coast, they fell in with the fleet on the 20th Octo- 
ber in the bay of Tonquin. Proceeding into Chokeum for the 
purpose of reconnoitring, 37 of the fleet were discovered 
under weigh. Erom 7 o'clock until 4 p.m. they hunted for 
the channel like terriers at a rat-hole, till a pilot managed to 
escape from the shore. The ' Phlegethon,' with the ' Eury ' 
astern, and ' Columbine ' in tow, proceeded over the bar, and 
the ships were soon warmly engaged. Shapng-tsai's junk 
blew up with a tremendous crash, and at half-past 5 they had 
ceased firing. Before 8 o'clock 27 of the pirate fleet were 



IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 355 

in flames, and the squadron in position to blockade the river. 
The next day 24 more were destroyed by the steamers and 
boats ; and nine of them gave Lieut. Greorge Hancock, in a 
paddle-box boat of the ' JFury,' who was assisted by Captain 
Moore, R. M., and Mr. Close, acting-mate, with Mr. Leon 
(a Brazilian lieutenant) , an opportunity of distinguishing him- 
self. Two large junks turned at bay to defend the retreat of 
the rest, but Mr. Hancock so handled his boat and her gun, 
that after an hour and twenty minutes he had beaten them 
from their guns, and carried them by boarding without loss 
of life, and then pursued and destroyed the other seven. On 
Monday 22nd, Commander Hay proceeded in the ' Phlege- 
thon ' and boats to destroy all that were left. The mandarins 
had destroyed four, and they finished two others. The low flat 
islands at the mouth of the river were at times covered with 
men deserted from the junks, yet afraid of the Cochin- 
Chinese who had assembled in great numbers to attack 
them. The ships' boats and small-arm men harassed and 
destroyed many by constant fire of shell and grape, whilst 
the Cochin-Chinese destroyed and captured the rest. The 
fleet consisted of 64 war-vessels of various sizes, carrying 
amongst them 1,224 guns, and 3,150 men. Of these six of 
the smaller escaped with Shapng-tsai, and about 400 men, 
but without much ammunition. 



DESTRUCTION OF A SLAVE ESTABLISHMENT IN THE MO- 
ZAMBIQUE CHANNEL, BY H. M. S. ' CASTOR* AND c DEE,' 
MOZAMBIQUE, 

1850. 

On the 8th of June, 1850, an attack was made by a division of 
seamen and marines of H.M.S. ' Castor ' and steamer 'Dee' 
under Commander Bunce on the town of Keonga, river 
Hambeyzy, at Mozamba in the Mozambique channel. It 
contained an establishment for several thousands of slaves, 
and large storehouses filled with merchandize for conducting 
the vile traffic. These were defended by a 6-pounder gnu, 

2i2 



356 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS 

and by about 300 free natives, with muskets, besides several 
bowmen and spearmen. So rapid were the movements of 
the seamen and marines that the natives, although very war- 
like and courageous, had scarcely time to get under arms 
before the place was totally demolished, the guns carried and 
spiked, and a large slave doic blown up. Xo lives were lost 
on the part of the English. The slave barracoons at 
Masain, near Cape Delgado, were also attacked by a division 
of seamen and marines from the ' Castor ' and ' Dee ' at 
daybreak, and before the natives could effect resistance, were 
destroyed. This was also a notorious slave-market. 

CAPTURE OF THE BRAZILIAN STEAM-BRIG ' PAQIETE DE 
SANTOS/ LATE ' PROVTDENCLA.,' BY H. M. S. ' RIFLEMAN,' 
LIEUT. COMMANDER CROFTON, BRAZIL, 
1850. 

Xo slaver had so long and successfully eluded the vigilance 
of the British squadron, under the command of Commodore 
Sir Charles Hotham, as the Brazilian steam-brig ' Provi- 
dencia.' On one occasion, with 1,500 slaves on board, she 
stood a twelve hours' chase, by H.AL.S. ' Contest,' and 
escaped by changing her course in the dark. During this 
chase the ' Providencia's ' engines were so hard- worked that 
she lay at Bio for some months, until she had been repaired 
by engineers expressly sent for from Europe. On another 
occasion, a boat from the ' Penelope ' (flag-ship), missed 
capturing her, just after she had shipped 1,200 slaves. 

In July, 1819, this notorious slave-steamer left Bio de 
Janeiro, with complete equipments for a slaving voyage, 
ostensibly bound to Santos, a port on the coast of South 
America, but in reality, to the opposite direction, the coast 
of Africa. Before she was well clear out of the port at 
Bio, she was chased by H.AI.S. ' Hydra,' but escaped and 
took refuge in Santos Harbour ; where, notwithstanding 
several representations made by the British Yice- Consul and 
Commander Skipwith of the ' Hydra,' the more suspicious 



IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 357 

portion of the slaver's cargo and equipments were allowed 
to be landed, and afterwards transhipped to a sailing-vessel. 
The ' Hydra ' being under orders for England, H.M.S. 
' Rifleman ' was ordered to remain at Santos to keep watch 
on the ' Providencia,' which, being thus prevented from 
leaving the harbour without detection, remained unemployed 
for six months. At length, in December, the ' Rifleman' 
left the port, with the view of intercepting the arrival of 
several vessels, expected with slaves from the coast of 
Africa, when having changed owners, under the name of 
' Paquete de Santos,' the notorious craft made an effort to 
pursue her voyage during the absence of the cruiser. On 
the very day she left Santos, she was discovered by the 
' Rifleman ' standing away from the land, but, on being 
observed, she altered her course and made every effort to 
escape ; a well-directed shot from the ' Rifleman's ' long 
gun, however, astonished her and brought her to ; she was 
then boarded and searched by Lieut. Crofton, the com- 
mander, and Mr. Beckett, a midshipman, and her real 
character and object easily proved by the slave-deck being 
found temporarily nailed up. She was seized, and condemned 
at St. Helena. 

CAPTURE OF FOUR NOTED SLAVERS BY EL M. S. ' COR- 
MORANT,' COMMANDER HERBERT SCHOMBERG, ON THE 
COAST OF BRAZIL, AMERICA, 

1850. 

On the 26th of June, 1850, H.M. steam-frigate ' Cormorant,' 
Commander Herbert Schomberg, left Rio Janeiro, having 
received orders from the Commander-in-chief to cruize for 
the suppression of the slave-trade. Proceeding to the 
northward, she captured and destroyed the celebrated slaver 
' Rival,' in the Rio Frio, a service which was performed 
with great promptitude by the ship's boats, under the 
command of her Pirst-lieut. Mr. C. M. Luckcraft. After 
the destruction of the slaver, the ' Cormorant ' had to run 



358 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERb 

the gauntlet, at the entrance of the river, under a sharp 
fire of musketry, from hundreds of persons assembled on 
the beach: she then steered to the southward for the Bay 
of Paranagua, distant about 400 miles, off which she 
arrived on the morning of the 29th, and passing the fort 
(mounting 14 or 15 guns), at the entrance, between which 
and the ' Cormorant ' the usual civilities passed, she pro- 
ceeded up the bay about 15 miles, and at noon opened 
several large vessels, lying at anchor off an island inhabited 
only by slave-dealers, the trading-port being some four miles 
further up the bay. Abreast of where these vessels were 
lying at anchor were erected large sheds, surrounded by 
leaguers, slave-decks, &c. The ' Cormorant ' having steamed 
in as close to these vessels as she could possibly get, the 
channel being very narrow and circuitous, and surrounded 
by shoals, Commander Schomberg anchored with a spring 
on the cable, to cover the boats, at 5 minutes after 12, 
and immediately despatched the two cutters and gig, under 
the command of Lieut. C. M. Luckcraft, Lieut, de Kantzon, 
Mr. C. "W*. Buckley (midshipman), and Mr. Hambly (as- 
sistant-surgeon), to overhaul suspicious vessels. One or 
two legal vessels lying near, immediately weighed and left 
this anchorage, not wishing to remain among the black 
sheep. The boats then boarded one of the brigs and took 
possession ; the first cutter boarding another brig, and the 
gig a large ship, both of which were also taken. The boats 
were now employed in towing and warping the two brigs 
towards the ' Cormorant,' but unfortunately, owing to the 
intricacy of the channel, they soon took the ground, which 
occasioned much delay ; the ' Cormorant ' then weighed and 
endeavoured to close, but, having only 15 feet water, was 
obliged to desist ; she, therefore, as the two brigs were now 
afloat again, dropped a little further out, and brought up 
about a mile from them. Both paddle-box boats were now 
hoisted out, and, together with the whale-boat, sent to the 
assistance of the other boats, the captain visiting and 
examining them in one of the former boats. The ship was 



IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 359 

then got under weigh, and by 10 p.m., after a hard day's 
work, the three vessels were anchored nnder the ' Cor- 
morant's ' beak. 

On the following day, June 30th, Commander Schomberg 
was employed surveying and preparing his little flotilla for 
sea. The ship was called the ' Camperdora,' but on ripping 
some painted canvass off her stern, there was found in large 
letters the name ' Lucy Ann,' of Greenport : and from her 
being American built, and having the flag of the United 
States on board, and carrying two whale-boats at her 
quarters, she might have been passed by our cruisers a 
thousand times at sea without the slightest suspicion. The 
two beautiful brigs were found to be the noted slavers ' Serea ' 
and ' Donna Anna,' which, unfortunately, had no sails on 
board, and were unfit to make a voyage across the Atlantic. 
The I Donna Anna ' had her cargo on board, and all three were 
fully equipped for the slave-trade. There were also at 
anchor a Portuguese barque, a Brazilian ship (but from 
having landed her fittings, she could not be detained) and 
an American barque, which no doubt only lay there to be 
fitted for carrying slaves. Besides these, there was a large 
brigantine called the ' Astro,' which the ' Bifleman ' had 
previously blockaded in Santos for some 10 days, as also 
had the ' Cormorant,' but she managed to elude their 
vigilance, and to escape to this port. Commander Schom- 
berg intended taking her in the morning, but when day 
broke she was found sinking, giving a lift to starboard and 
then to port, going down head-foremost, having been scuttled 
during the night by her own crew, to prevent capture. The 
captain and master went up to examine and measure her ; 
she had gone down in six fathoms water (soft mud), and 
numerous boats were employed landing sails, &c, which had 
been taken out of her. 

The whole of the day (30th) it rained and blew very hard 
from the S.W. ; it was, therefore, deemed advisable not to 
start till the next morning ; but the time was not thrown 
away, for the vessels were prepared for towing, and a prize- 



360 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS 

crew, &c, placed on board the ship, so as not to be detained 
when they got outside ; at sunset all were ready for a start. 
On the morning of July 1st the ' Cormorant ' weighed, 
and by 8 a.m. had got the little squadron in tow, proceeding 
down the bay. On opening the fort, at about 10 o'clock, and 
when about a mile off, Capt. Schomberg was astonished at a 
blank gun being fired at him. The engines were immediately 
eased and stopped, and a boat left from under the fort, but 
immediately returned ; at the same time a shot from the fort 
fell close under the bows. The ' Cormorant ' beat to quar- 
ters, but refrained from returning it, although perfectly 
ready. In about two minutes a second shot fell close under 
the counter, followed by a third, which flew across the fore- 
castle netting. The ' Cormorant ' went on at full speed (not 
being built for a target for the Brazilians), and opened fire 
from starboard broadside with shot and shell, firing as the guns 
would bear, going through a very narrow channel with three 
large vessels in tow. At this period the action became 
general on both sides, the fort firing grape occasionally, 
which fortunately fell short of the ' Cormorant,' although 
not 400 yards from it. At fifty minutes past 10, having 
passed the front of the battery, unable to return the raking 
fire from the sea-face of it, in consequence of the vessels in 
tow, but throwing shell occasionally from her stern gun, as 
the opening between the vessels in tow would admit of it, 
the ' Cormorant ' ceased firing, the fort still continuing until 
their last shot fell short of the ships in tow. The bar not 
being passable, the ' Cormorant ' anchored. A party was 
then sent to destroy the brigs ' Donna Anna ' and ' Serea,' 
which were shortly in a blaze, and drifting into the breakers, 
soon went into a thousand atoms. In performing this ser- 
vice the second cutter unfortunately was drifted near the 
breakers, and in great danger. A whale-boat was sent to her 
assistance, and she was shortly released from this imminent 
peril. The e Cormorant ' was anchored barely three miles 
from the fort, so that they had a good view of her proceed- 
ings. By 4 p.m., the tide having sufficiently risen to enable 



IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 361 

the ' Cormorant ' to pass the bar, she weighed, and having 
the ship in tow, proceeded to sea, casting her off next morn- 
ing for St. Helena, and then proceeded herself with all 
despatch to join the Admiral off Rio. The casualties of the 
affair were one killed and two wounded. Five shots were 
fired through the hull, one of which was picked up on the 
lower deck. The conduct of Commander Schomberg, in 
capturing these slavers, and avenging the insult to the Bri- 
tish flag, was highly approved by the Admiral on the station, 
and justified by the authorities at Rio. 



CAPTURE OF ' VENUS ' SLAVER, OFF THE HAVANNAH, BY 
H.M.S. ' VESTAL,' CAPTAIN" HAMILTON, 



Taking- advantage of the moment when the vigilant ' Vestal' 
was refitting in the harbour of Havannah, a finely-built 
slave-schooner, 'the ' Yenus,' with the concurrence of the 
captain of the port, slipped out to sea during the night. At 
dawn she was missed, and in less than three minutes after 
Capt. Hamilton heard of the circumstance the ' Vestal ' was 
on her way out of the harbour under a crowd of canvas. 
There were 11 foreign ships-of-war at that time in the Ha- 
vannah, and the Americans, like good kinsmen, gave the 
1 Vestal ' a loud cheer as she departed. When the ' Vestal ' 
got out to sea there were several distant specks to be seen, 
but the Venus was detected by the superior whiteness of her 
new sails, and every effort was made to gain upon her, and 
with success. In the course of the night a tornado came on, 
during which the ' Venus' was lost sight of; and now came 
a difficulty, in which direction to pursue her. Upon considt- 
ation, it was conjectured that she would make for the 
Bahama shoals, that being a dangerous navigation for larger 
vessels. At sunrise this conjecture proved correct, for the 
' Venus' again appeared, but it was an extremely dangerous 
passage, and the ' Vestal' had brought no pilot ; the breakers 



362 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS 

appeared ahead, and it was impossible to pursue the ' Venus ' 
further. Capt. Hamilton then determined to try the effect 
of a long gun, with an enormous charge of powder. It 
pitched into the ' Yenus ;' down went her colours, and she 
gave in. There were two other slave-schooners amongst the 
breakers, and the ' Vestal ' was unable to follow them, for 
want of water, but Capt. Hamilton would not be foiled 
thus ; he went on board the ' Venus,' held a pistol to the 
captain's head, made him steer after the other schooners, 
and successively captured them both. On board each vessel 
was found a large store of swords, muskets, the usual provi- 
sion of slave-decks and slave-irons, together with several 
letters implicating many persons, and other vessels, as well 
as their own, amongst others, a large black brig, which was 
captured a few days afterwards. 



CAPTURE OF THE ' POLKA SLAVER, BY H.M.S. ' SHARP- 
SHOOTER,' LIEUT.-COMMANDER BAILEY/ ON THE COAST 
OF BRAZIL. 

H.M.S. ' Sharpshooter,' Lieut. John Bailey, commander, 
arrived off Rio on the 18th June, 1849, with despatches, order- 
ing the admiral on that station to take slave-vessels out of 
Brazilian ports when it could be attempted with a fair prospect 
of success — a measure which had hitherto been unlawful. 
Before entering the harbour she captured one slaver, which 
was sunk, being unfit for sea ; and a second on the night of 
the 20th, while in search of the admiral, who was cruising 
outside. Having fallen in with him on the morning of the 
22nd, and at the same time received intelligence that a 
notorious slaver was lying in the port of Macahi, about 
80 miles off, Mr. Bailey immediately obtained leave to take 
advantage of the new regulations. Although the ship had 
been but half an hour in Bio, and consequently had not had 
time to revictual, water, or coal, and had only half a day's 
water, two days' bread, and about 15 tons of coal remaining, 



IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. 363 

no time was lost, and she arrived off the port of Macahi at 
half-past 3 p.m. on the 23rd. The slaver was moored with 
stont chain-cables, ready for sea, and within pistol-shot of 
an eight-gnn battery, and lying immediately nnder the guns. 
The boats were sent to examine her, and found no captain 
or papers, but a regular slave-deck. The beach was crowded 
with ruffians, firing off muskets in all directions ; and while 
the young officer in command of the boats was searching, a 
body of soldiers marched into the battery and loaded the 
guns ; upon which, not knowing exactly how to act, he re- 
turned for further orders. 

Mr. Bailey then went away in a four-oared boat to speak 
to the commandant of the battery, and see if it was prac- 
ticable to get her out. It was now dusk, and, while walking 
up the bank, a musket was fired at him from behind a hedge. 
Having seen the commandant and examined the vessel, a 
perfect little beauty, called the ' Polka,' but a palpable rogue, 
Mr. Bailey returned on board his own ship, steamed out a 
little way, and, having cleared for action, and loaded with 
grape and canister, manned the boats, towed them to within 
musket-shot of the schooner and fort, and then cast them off, 
as there was not water for the ship to approach any nearer. 
The men in the boats had orders not to fire even if their 
boats were struck, but to reserve their fire until some of 
them had received personal injury, when in self-defence they 
were to return it. The ' Sharpshooter ' remained within 
short musket range of the fort, ready to open upon it hau 
any injury occurred to the boats. They dashed alongside 
the slaver on the side opposite to the battery, whilst a per- 
fect blaze of muskets and rockets was going on around them, 
though at so cautious a distance that no one was touched. 
In a few minutes, however, her sails were loosened, cables 
slipped, and out she shot like an arrow. Directly she did 
so a gun was fired from the battery, which went far over the 
mark ; and then a second, which splashed them from head to 
foot ; a third flashed in the pan, and by that time the prize 
had run across the bows of the ' Sharpshooter,' which imme- 



364 ENGAGEMENTS WITH PIRATES AND SLAVERS. 

diately steamed in across the line of fire. The battery ceased 
fire directly, and giving them three good cheers as the only 
return for the shot, the two vessels dashed off to sea together 
at the rate of eight miles an honr. It was the work of 
ten minutes, and was done without even the snapping of a 
cap. 



( 365 ) 



THE AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 



NATURE OF THE SERVICE. 

Siitce the settlement of Europeans on the continent of 
America and the West Indian Islands, a trade in slaves, 
brought from the African coast across the Atlantic, has ex- 
isted to a less or greater extent. The unfortunate black- 
skinned sons of Africa were first captured to supply the loss 
of the mild and yielding natives of the New World, destroyed 
by the avarice and cruelty of their Spanish taskmasters. 
The British settlers, seeing what they believed the advan- 
tages which the Spaniards derived from the introduction of 
this forced labour, yielded to the tempation, and, entering 
into the nefarious traffic, bequeathed to their descendants a 
curse which is even now weighing heavily on their prosperity, 
and may some day overwhelm them. Eor centuries, indeed, 
although many wise and good men saw the slave-trade in its 
true light as a deadly outrage against the laws of G-od and 
the rights of man, yet the great mass among the civilized 
nations of the world were unconscious of its enormity, or 
indifferent to its practices. In those days it was carried on 
like any other trade in the present day. Yessels came out 
for slaves, ran down the coast, touching at all the principal 
native settlements, and purchased such slaves as were offered 
for sale, until their cargoes were completed. Sometimes 
the unsuspicious natives, who came off in their canoes to 
trade, were kidnapped in numbers sufficient to form a cargo. 
Sometimes a well-armed slaver carried off by force the negroes 
on board another slaver, ready to sail, and unable to defend 
herself. There were besides, along the coast at convenient 
points, forts and stations, established by the British and 



366 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

other European Governments, for the very purpose of faci- 
litating the slave-trade. 

At length, by the indefatigable efforts of "Wilberforce and 
other philanthropic men, a brighter light dawned upon the 
eyes of the British public, as well as that of the United 
States, and they were taught to look on the slave-trade in 
all its dark and revolting colours. 

The truth having once become manifest, the honest-minded 
of the people began to look with horror on a system they 
had so long sanctioned by their silence, and the desire to 
put an end to it became general among them. 

On the 25th of March, 1807, the Eoyal Assent was given 
to the Bill for the Total Abolition of the British Slave-trade 
on and after the 1st of January, 1808. At first only a 
penalty in money was exacted from those convicted of slave- 
dealing ; but this, of course, being found inefficient, in 1811 
slave-dealing was made punishable by transportation for 14 
years. This being afterwards discovered to be a most inade- 
quate check, the offence was declared in 1824 to be piracy, 
and the punishment death. This law continued in force till 
1837, when the punishment inflicted on British subjects for 
trading in slaves was changed to transportation for life. 

A squadron of small vessels supposed to be suited for the 
purpose was forthwith equipped and sent out to the African 
coast to capture slavers wherever they could be found north 
of the equator, either embarking their cargoes or prepared 
to receive them, or with full ships, or up rivers on the coast, 
or out at sea ; but though much energy and gallantry were 
displayed, and though there was an immense amount of boat- 
service of a hazardous description, often proving fatal to those 
engaging in it, there were, from the year 1819 to 1839 (twenty 
years), only 333 slave-vessels captured by the squadron, owing 
to the inefficiency of the cruisers employed, while from the 
year 1839 to 1849 inclusive (eleven years), 744 slave-vessels 
were captured. The slave-trade, at the former time, existed 
on the coast from Fort St. Louis, on the river Senegal, on 
the north, to Cape St. Martha, in Benguela, in the south — 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 367 

a coast line of 3,000 miles and upwards. Till the year 1839 
only a few 10-gun brigs and other inefficient vessels were 
employed, — indeed, there were never more than six cruisers 
at a time on the coast. So inferior, generally, were the 
vessels in sailing qualities, and so disastrous was frequently 
the result from the deadly climate when their boats were 
sent away up the rivers, that the officers were often dis- 
heartened, and persuaded themselves that the plan of block- 
ading the coast would not put any effectual stop to the 
slave-trade. When, however, a very superior class of 16 
and 18 gun brigs and sloops-of-war, and, latterly, of fast 
screw-steamers fitted for sailing as well as steaming, were 
sent out, the state of affairs was completely changed, and, as 
we have before remarked, in about half the time twice as 
many slavers were captured as under the old system. 

The following extracts from the work of the Rev. J. 
Leighton Wilson, an American missionary on the Gaboon 
river, west coast of Africa, will more clearly prove what the 
British squadron has done to put an end to the slave-trade, 
and the subsequent accounts will show how they accomplished 
their work : — 

"When the trade became illegal, it was banished from 
most of the European settlements ; and the Spaniards, 
Portuguese, and others who determined to persist in it, 
notwithstanding its illegality, had to adopt a new mode of 
operations. 

" They could no longer perform their usual voyages along 
the coast without being seized as prizes, and having their 
property confiscated. It became necessary, therefore, to erect 
barracoons on those parts of the coast where slaves could be 
collected with the greatest ease and in the largest numbers ; 
and at the appointed time the vessels returned and took 
away these slaves without being detained on the coast more 
than twenty-four hours, and in some cases only a single 
night. The points thus occupied at one time could not have 
been less than forty or fifty. 

" The English have never had any treaties with the Spanish, 



368 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

Portuguese, or Brazilian governments that would authorize 
them to destroy these barracoons. Hence they have been 
compelled to do what they could by guarding the coast and 
seizing slave-vessels in the vicinity of these barracoons. 
But as the numbers of the places occupied by the slave- 
trade greatly exceeded the number of cruisers employed to 
watch them, and were seldom less than fifty or a hundred 
miles apart, it will be readily seen that the cruisers had a 
difficult task to perform, and the frequent escape of slavers 
was inevitable. At the same time the profits of the trade 
were so great, that the escape of a single slaver would cover 
the profits of three captures. 

" Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, such have been 
the diligence and activity of the officers of the squadron, 
that they have forced this trade out of more than three- 
fourths of the strongholds which it once occupied. 

" From the Senegal river, on the borders of the Great 
Desert, to Cape Lopez, a few miles south of the equator, a dis- 
tance coastwise of something like 2,500 miles, there is now no 
trade in slaves whatever. In fact, the trade is now confined 
to what is called the Congo country, in which there are not 
more than eight or ten points where slaves are collected, 
and from which they are shipped. Thus more than 2,000 
miles of the frontiers of the best and fairest portion of the 
African continent has been relieved from this unparalleled 
scourge, and perhaps more than 20,000,000 of human beings 
in banishment have been restored to comparative peace and 
happiness by the operations of the squadron along the 
coast." 

" The Bight of Biafra, into which run the rivers Benin, 
Bonny, Brass, Calabar, and Cameroons, once the chief seat 
of the trade, having been subjected for several successive 
years to a virtual blockade [adds Mr. "Wilson], not only did 
the Spaniards and Portuguese find themselves under the 
necessity of relinquishing it, but at the same time the natives 
saw that they could derive a larger and more certain profit 
from lawful commerce, and consequently turned their atten- 






AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 369 

tion to the manufacture of palm-oil. The number of vessels 
now engaged in carrying on a lawful trade in these rivers is 
between forty and fifty ; and so decided are the advantages 
reaped by the natives from this change in their commercial 
affairs, it is not believed they would ever revert to it again, 
even if all outward restraints were taken away." " Palm-oil, 
however, is only one of a great variety of other products of 
the country equally valuable and capable of quite as much 
augmentation. Regarded merely in a selfish point of view, 
for its commercial results, England will be repaid for every 
dollar she has expended upon this enterprise, not only by 
the market she will have created in Africa for her manufac- 
tures, but likewise in the immense amount of valuable pro- 
ducts that will be brought to her own shores from that 
country. But if these results acquire importance in con- 
nexion with commercial enterprise, how must they appear 
when contemplated in the light of humanity! We cannot 
contemplate this sudden and wonderful development of 
commerce in any other light than as one of those efficient 
agencies employed by Providence, not only to raise up Africa 
from the lowest depths of barbarism, but to place her on a 
footing of respectability with the most favoured nations of 
the earth." The squadron has also put down piracy most 
completely, and has enabled a number of settlements belong- 
ing to various nations to exist and flourish. But it has done 
more than that, it has aided in protecting a number of 
zealous workers in Christ's vineyard, who have been em- 
ployed in sowing the seeds of the gospel in the land. " To 
the south of Sierra Leone, and between that and the Equator, 
that part of the coast where the efforts of the squadron to 
put down the slave-trade have been most successful, there 
have been founded, in fifteen or sixteen years, as many as 
twelve independent missions, at the distance of 100 or 200 
miles from each other, embracing three times that number of 
distinct stations along the coast, and a still greater number 
of out-stations in the interior. The gospel is statedly 
preached to thousands and hundreds of thousands, not only 

2b 



370 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

along the frontier regions, but far in the interior. More 
than 10,000 youths are now receiving a Christian education 
in the schools connected with these missions, and will ere 
long be sent forth to spread the blessings of education and 
Christianity far and near among the benighted inhabitants 
of the land." 

In all these varied ways has the British squadron rendered im- 
portant service to the cause of humanity. It has put down piracy 
on the African seas ; has restored peace and tranquillity to a line 
of sea-coast of more than 2,000 miles ; has called into existence a 
large and flourishing commerce, and, at the same time, has thrown 
the shield of its protection over the cause of Christian Missions, 
and all the varied agency that has been employed to promote the 
cause of humanity and civilization among the benighted inhabitants 
of this great continent. If these great objects are not 
worthy oe British philanthropy, we know not 
where to eind those that are. 

The Committee appointed by the Lords of Parliament, 
also report to the same effect, from the evidence collected 
from a number of officers employed on the coast, and other 
persons acquainted with the country : — 

" With respect to the effect of the squadron on the coast 
of Africa, it appears, in the first place, that all other means 
of direct impression, as well as all moral influences which 
tend to the same result (such as the extension of Chris- 
tianity and commerce, the return of liberated Africans and 
others to their native countries, &c), depend on its mainte- 
nance ; that, in proportion to its efficiency, these become 
more widely spread and more deeply rooted ; but, if with- 
drawn, or materially reduced, that these secondary means 
could not continue to exist. 

"With regard to the actual and direct effect of the squadron 
in suppressing the slave-trade, it has been proved that, when 
its operations began, the traffic extended over almost every 
part of Africa, from the Equator, as far as Cape Yerde, a 
distance of nearly 2,500 miles. To this quarter, the efforts 
of the cruisers were entirely confined from 1815 to 1839 ; 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 371 

the slave-trade south of the Equator, from which Brazil was 
almost altogether supplied, being prosecuted with perfect 
security, and indeed protection. Yet, within this time, the 
slave-trade has been expelled from every quarter, north of 
the line, except from the Bight of Benin, a space of less than 
300 miles. In the Bight of Biafra, (in which 15,000 slaves 
per annum were very recently exported from the river Bonny 
alone, while a large export also took place from the Old and 
the JSTew Calabar, the Cameroons and other rivers), the slave- 
trade has been entirely extinguished. Complete treaties, 
enabling the British force to land and put it down, if re- 
sumed, have been concluded ; and a consul, resident at 
Fernando Po, periodically visiting these rivers, and assisted 
by an occasional visit from a vessel of war, will, it is expected, 
be able to secure their fulfilment. In the place of the slave- 
trade, a great increasing commerce is springing up in this 
bight. 

" Mission stations have been established, and the compara- 
tively small means which suffice to prevent the revival of the 
slave-trade, compared with those which were required to j3ut it 
down, show that wherever the slave-trade has once been 
effectively suppressed, a large reduction of force may follow, 
without danger of its revival. 

" On the Gold Coast the influence of the English forts has 
entirely eradicated the traffic. At Cape Palmas, to the 
northward, as far as Cape Mount, the settlements of Liberia 
have been equally efficacious to that end. 

" At Gallinas, under the treaty of 1840 (the operation oi 
which was long suspended by a doubt as to the legality of 
destroying factories), the slave-trade has been recently en- 
tirely rooted out, mainly by the assistance of the surround- 
ing natives. In this quarter a Government agent or consul 
on shore, aided by the presence of a single cruiser, will, 
there is reason to hope, prevent the slave-trade breaking 
out afresh ; so that here, as well as in the Bight of Biafra, 
effectual repression may be followed by a great reduction of 
force. 

2b2 



372 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

" Further north, the natives themselves have risen against 
the traffic, requesting the captain of a cruiser to land and 
destroy the factories. A profitable trade has sprung up in 
its place, and the Sierra Leone Commissioners report that 
not a slave has been shipped for the preceding twelvemonth. 

" To the south of the Equator the continuance of the slave- 
trade is owing partly to the shorter period during which 
repressive measures have been tried; partly to the inade- 
quacy of the force which has hitherto been employed in that 
quarter ; and in some degree to the assistance derived from 
the occasional connivance of certain of the authorities in the 
colonies of Portugal. But there is no reason to doubt that 
an adequate force, employed on the best system, would soon 
reduce that traffic to a very small amount. 

" The general tenor of the evidence establishes, beyond ail 
doubt, first, that the English cruisers have greatly checked 
and crippled the slave-trade ; secondly, that their removal 
would be the signal for its breaking out with unexampled 
vigour at every available port along the whole sea-board; 
thirdly, that this would lead, amongst other results, to the 
whole coast swarming with piratical vessels, which would 
utterly destroy the legitimate trade, now daily increasing 
in value, between Great Britain and Africa ; whilst all the 
beginnings of civilization, and all attempts to Christianize 
Africa, would be wholly defeated and destroyed ; also that 
the legitimate trade cannot coexist with the slave-trade ; 
but that if the slave-trade be suppressed for any lengthened 
period, its revival would be prevented by the lawful trade." 
The following description of the barracoons at G-allinas, 
and of slave-vessels, empty and full, is taken chiefly from 
Captain Eorbes' account of the African coast blockade, a 
service we may feel assured as important as any on which 
our navy is employed. 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 373 



DESCRIPTION OF SLAVE BARRACOONS. 

Gallhstas is the largest establishment for the sale of slaves 
on the northern division, besides which there are factories at 
the Pongos, Sherbero, Shebar, and Grand Bassar, and the line 
of coast to be guarded is about 150 miles. Some of these 
are migratory. At Shebar, along the Kiltain coast, a dis- 
tance of about 60 miles, there are stockaded barracoons for 
the reception of slaves, should the Grallinas be well block- 
aded. 

In Grallinas, the chiefs still have remains of the ancient 
splendour acquired by the profits of the trade in former 
times. Huge bowls of solid silver adorn their tables, while 
satin and cloth of gold bedeck their jet-black bodies. The 
trade, by no means so lucrative, is now carried on in muskets, 
powder, spirits, and piece-goods, &c, supplied by vessels 
under American, French, Sardinian, or other colours of 
nations whose Governments have rendered their treaties as 
abstruse as possible ; and as was the case with the ' Maid of 
Islay ' steamer, sometimes by English vessels. These re- 
ceive money in exchange, or, should the opportunity be a 
good one, a cargo of slaves. 

A factory consists of several large dwelling-houses for the 
members, clerks, &c, of huge stores for the reception of 
goods, to the amount of sometimes one or two hundred 
thousand pounds. 

When purchased, the slave is imprisoned in a barracoon, 
a shed made of heavy piles, driven deep into the earth, 
lashed together with bamboos, and thatched with palm-leaves. 
If the barracoon be a large one, there is a centre row of 
piles 5 along each line of piles is a chain, and at intervals of 
about two feet is a large neck-link, in one of which each 
slave is padlocked. Should this method be insufficient, two, 
and sometimes, in cases of great strength, three, are shackled 
together ; the strong man being placed between two others 



374 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

and heavily ironed, and often beaten half to death before- 
hand to insure his being quiet. The walls of the barracoon 
extend from four to six feet high, and between them and 
the roof is an opening about four feet, for the circulation 
of air. The floor is planked, not from any regard to com- 
fort to the slave, but because a small insect, being in the 
soil, might deteriorate the merchandise, by causing a cuta- 
neous disease. Night and day these barracoons are guarded 
by armed men ; the slightest insubordination is immediately 
punished. 

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMPTY SLAVER. 

The equipment of the regular slaver is attended with a large 
outlay ; in short, no expense is spared. She is run up for 
the voyage, and should she be found strong enough for 
another, she undergoes a thorough repair. In order to make 
her light and buoyant, her timbers and beams are small, and 
screwed together : when chased, these screws are loosened 
to give the vessel play. After the hull is built, she is placed 
in the hands of the coopers, who erect, in the hold, huge 
water-casks, called leaguers. On these are stowed the pro- 
visions, wood, &c, above them is the slave-deck. Thirty-six 
inches may be considered a medium height, but they some- 
times measure four feet six inches, though occasionally only 
fourteen or eighteen inches, intended for children only. The 
upper deck is generally clear, except of the sweeps or oars 
for calms, &c. There is a covered sleeping-place, about six feet 
long by three feet wide, on each side, for the captain and pilot. 
Some have guns, but the system of arming is by no means 
common now. When they carry a boat, it is a very small 
one, and generally serves as a hen-coop. The rigging and 
sails are fitted with a sailor-like neatness not to be sur- 



The sails, on account of the frequency and force of the 
tornadoes, are very low, and bent broad : thus the fore-yard 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 375 

of a brig of about 140 tons taken by H.M.S. ' Dolphin,' 
was seventy-six feet long, and her ropes were so beautifully 
racked aloft, that, after a cannonade of sixty shot, in which 
upwards of fifty had taken effect, not one sail was lowered. 

The following are the articles by which a slaver can be 
condemned, if found on board : a slave-deck, or planks ready 
for a deck ; slave-irons and slave-coppers, which are a large 
cooking apparatus for the slaves and crew, standing generally 
amid-ship of the upper deck ; an extra quantity of farinha, 
rice, water, or other provisions which cannot be accounted 
for. The slaver leaves her port equipped with provisions, 
wood, and water, for the return voyage, carrying the out- 
ward passage stock, which frequently comprises all sorts of 
luxuries, on the slave-deck. The officers consist of a cap- 
tain, who tries to pass for a supercargo or a passenger if 
taken, and whose salary is seldom less than 250/. for each 
hundred slaves ; a man called Capitano de Bandiera, who 
acts as substitute for the captain if the vessel is taken; a 
pilot, and a boatswain, frequently a superior class of sailors. 

DESCRIPTION OF A SLAVER WITH CARGO ON BOARD. 

The horrors of a full slaver almost defy description. Ar- 
rived on the coast, and the port reached, if no man-of-war 
be on the coast, two hours suffice to place four hundred 
human beings on board. On the slaves being received, the 
largest men are picked out (if not sent with bad characters) 
as head-men, and these, dividing the slaves into gangs, 
according to the size of the vessel, of from ten to twenty, 
keep them in order. The slave-deck is divided into two 
unequal parts, the greater for the men, the other for women 
and children. The stowage is managed entirely by the 
head-men, who take care that the largest slaves shall be 
farthest from the ship's side, or from any position in which 
their strength might avail them to secure a larger space 
than their neighbours. The form of stowage is, that the 



376 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

poor wretch shall be seated on the beams, and the head 
thrust between the knees so close that when one moves the 
mass must. The slave is fed twice a-day ; in order to give 
room, one-half are allowed at a time on deck. At the hour of 
the meal they are ranged into messes, and when all is ready, 
at a signal from the head-men, they commence. The food 
consists of either rice, calabancies (a kind of bean), or 
farinha (the flour of the cassada, a species of potato) boiled. 
As a relish to these are either salt pork, beef, fish, chillies, 
or palm-oil, in small quantities. After each meal they are 
made to sing, to digest the food, and then the water is served 
out, the fullest nominal allowance of which is one quart 
each, daily, though seldom more than a pint is given. Irons 
are seldom used on board, unless after a mutiny, or if closely 
chased by a man-of-war ; in which case the condition of the 
slave becomes truly dreadful ; they are all barred below, for 
fear of their rising, are seldom watered till the chase be 
over, though it may last two or three days, while everything 
that can be thought of to make the vessel sail is done, 
whatever misery it may cost the cargo : often some of the 
unfortunate wretches are thrown overboard in empty casks 
or small boats, in the hope that the cruiser will stop to pick 
them up and thus delay the chase. 



CHASES AND CAPTURES OF SLAVERS BY H.M.S. ' BONETTA,' 
ON THE AFRICAN COAST. 

We give some accounts of the chases and captures of slaves 
by the ships of H.M.'s squadron employed in blockading 
the west coast of Africa to prevent the slave-trade. The 
accounts will show a part of the description of work the 
officers and men of the Navy are called on to perform. 

In the year 1848, H.M.S. 'Bonetta,' Commander Forbes, 
formed one of the northern division of the squadron on the 
west coast. 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 377 



SLATE-SCHOONER RUN DOWN. 

On the 6th of March, as she was standing in for the land, 
near Cape Mensnrada, at about seven in the morning, a 
schooner appeared in sight, and from her endeavours to 
escape, left no doubt of the illegality of her trade. Between 
the land and sea breeze, which set in about eleven, it was 
nearly a calm, with light variable airs. The chase took 
advantage of this to lighten, and casks, boats, planks, every- 
thing that could be, were thrown overboard : after eleven the 
run became very exciting, the schooner making for the 
land; presently she took in her studding-sails and hauled 
to the wind. In-shore, lay at anchor a man-of-war, and in 
a short time the chase was joined by H.M.S. ' Rapid,' and 
her yawl, making now four in all. Finding the ' Bonetta ' 
too close on her, the schooner again bore away, and by 
sunset (the ' Bapid ' a long way astern) both were under 
all sail, running before the wind. The schooner appeared 
almost in their grasp, when a tornado took all aback ; every 
rope being manned, the sail came in, and running off the 
land, they lost sight of the chase before eight o'clock. At 
half-past nine, when all but the watch on board the 
' Bonetta ' were in bed, a most severe shock was felt by all ; 
one of the watch, without orders to do so, sprang to the 
lead, and in answer to the question why he did so, declared, 
as did the whole watch, that the ship was on shore. Some 
below were completely thrown out of their beds ; no 
bottom was found, and the ship was at least fifteen miles 
from land. It might have been the shock of an earthquake. 
Could it have been the sinking hull of the lightened 
schooner ? 

BRAZILIAN SLAVE-ERIG CAPTURED. 

On the 14th of March a vessel seen from the mast-head at 
3 p.m., immediately tacked and endeavoured to escape. By 
sunset she was discernible from the deck, and a clear moon 



378 AFKICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

left little difficulty in keeping her in sight all night. Every 
manoeuvre imaginable was tried in vain, proceeding on almost 
every point of the compass ; still, when daylight broke, the 
vessels were so close that, after firing three shots at the 
slaver, she hove to, and the Brazilian brig ' Dois Amigos ' 
became the ' Bonetta' s ' first prize, with a cargo of 408 
negroes. 

Bearing an important cipher despatch from Sierra Leone 
to Captain Moneypenny, at Cape Mount, on the 16th May, 
the ' Bonetta ' was becalmed for an hour, about four miles 
from a brigantine. Having delivered the despatch she was 
ordered to proceed to Sierra Leone. This brigantine shipped 
her slaves at Grallinas, and was captured in August by 
H.M.S. ' Sealark,' under the name of the ' San Francisco ;' 
she was returning for another cargo. 

BEAZILIAN SLAVEE DESTEOYED. 

Betttenhstg- from Sierra Leone on the 31st of May, standing 
in for the land about Gargwa, the ' Bonetta ' chased a 
schooner, and in about four hours brought her to, when she 
proved to be the Brazilian slave-schooner ' Phoco-foo ' (which 
means lighthouse). Her crew had perfectly cut her to 
pieces ; all her masts were sprung, and so much damage 
had been done that a party of officers, sent on board to sur- 
vey, condemned her. Having removed the crew, a train was 
laid, and having set fire to both ends, she scarcely touched 
the shore when she blew up ; but continued burning nearly 
all night. This was a vessel fully equipped for the trade, 
but with no slaves on board. 

SLAVE-SCHOONEE CAPTTTEED. 

On the morning of the 12th of June, owing to the prevalence 
of strong currents and light winds, with a heavy swell, the 
' Bonetta ' had drifted so close to the land between Manna 
and Gallinas, that at 4 a.m. it was deemed prudent to 
anchor. A few hours after daylight a boat was seen pulling 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 379 

for Gallinas. Immediately sending another in chase, they 
were both soon alongside the brigantine, now under weigh, 
and the boat proved to be one from a slaver in the offing, 
sent in to make arrangements for the cargo. 

Ey information derived from this boat's crew, it appeared 
that their vessel would stand out for a time, but that on a 
certain day she would be off Little Cape Mount. Acting 
upon this information, a sharp lookout was kept, and on 
the morning of the 19th, at daylight, a schooner was in sight. 
The wind being very light she was scarcely visible from the 
deck ; Mr. Smallpage (midshipman) being therefore detached 
in the gig, after a pull of nearly 15 miles he succeeded in 
capturing a schooner, claiming the protection of no flag, with 
all fittings necessary for the slave-trade. It was called the 
< Tragas Millas.' 

The next prize was descried at daylight on the 28th of 
June, having Cape Mount Bay under her lee. Her captam 
preferred trying to cross the bows of the ' Bonetta,' to the 
chance of being embayed ; accordingly they neared each 
other on opposite tacks, each carrying studding-sails. As it 
was suspected from his object that the chase was a superior 
sailer, a cannonade was opened upon her, and so effectually, 
that after four shots she hove to. The prize's crew was 
immediately removed, though scarcely in time ; one shot had 
passed completely through her, and tumbling right over, she 
nearly capsized the boat, which was bearing the last of the 
crew. This vessel, the ' Andorimha,' Brazilian, fully 
equipped for the slave-trade, had first put into the most 
southern part of the coast on the 5th of May, but was 
chased from thence by a steamer. On the 3rd of June she 
again put into Ambriz, but a second time escaped, after 
being chased. Finding this part of the coast too well 
guarded, she made a voyage of about 1,500 miles, and sent a 
boat into the Pongos to arrange the cargo again. She was 
chased, and running from Charybdis this time fell upon 
Scylla. 

On the 10th of August, after a run of about seven hours, 
and firing three blank-cartridges, the 'Bonetta' captured a 



380 AFKICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

schooner, the 'Alert.' She was under no flag, and had 
recently been bought for Don Jose Luiz, the factor at 
Grail in as ; for whom, besides a full equipment for the slave- 
trade, she had a quantity of wine and other articles. 

On the 5th of September H.M.S. ' Sealark ' chased a 
schooner beyond the limits of her station, when about 3 ' 30 
p.m. she was descried and taken possession of by the 
'Bonetta.' She proved to be a vessel called the 'Louiza,' 
and her supercargo (who passed for one Don Jose Segui) 
was one of the most notorious slave-dealers on the coast. 
His name was Theodore Canot, a Florentine by birth, but 
American, French, or English, when either suited. If all 
the horrible murders said to have been committed by this 
miscreant are true, he must have been the most atrocious 
of mankind. While a factor at Cape Mount, almost a hun- 
dred human beings are said to have fallen victims to his 
avarice — nor were all these negroes, but many of them white 
men. 

The last vessel taken on the northern division was cap- 
tured, in fact, by the ' Sealark,' but virtually by the ' Sealark 5 
and the ' Bonetta.' 

In September, on her passage to Sierra Leone, the 
' Bonetta ' chased a brig ; while making sail, about noon, 
a man fell overboard, and after lowering a boat and saving 
the man, she made sail again, when H.M.S. ' Sealark ' was 
observed in chase also. A fine breeze now added to the 
interest of the scene. The ' Sealark ' and chase were some 
distance apart on the port-tack. Coming up with them at 
two, the ' Bonetta ' tacked and opened fire at extreme range, 
and kept it up with shot and shell till four. At seven, after the 
1 Sealark ' (by change of wind) opened fire, the brig wore 
round and hove to windward. She proved to be the 
' Achilles,' with a double slave-deck, equipped for the ship- 
ment of a thousand slaves, and hoisting no flag. 

The captain of this vessel was the same who had made the 
successful voyage in the ' San Francisco,' and three out of 
four thousand dollars cleared by that voyage he had laid out 

the ' Achilles,' and he now lost all. 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 381 

CAPTURE OF THE l CATHERINE ' SLAVER, BY H.M.S, c DOL- 
PHIN,' CAPTAIN R. H. DUNDAS, 
1839. 
The system pursued iu order to elude the vigilance of the 
British cruisers is clearly exemplified in this affair. H.M.S a 
' Dolphin ' fell in with the ' Catherine ' on the 13th August, 
1839, off the coast of Africa, about 20 miles from the har- 
bour of Quipo. She gave her chase, and compelled her to 
bring to by firing several shots. The ' Dolphin ' boarded 
her, and found that, though she was sailing under American 
colours, she had the necessary planks for a slave- deck, and 
all other equipments usually found on board a vessel engaged 
in the slave-trade. The cargo consisted of tobacco and 
spirits ; her crew, of six American seamen and 25 Spaniards. 
No slaves were found on board, however, but a negro boy, 
said to be the son of an African prince, whom they had 
shipped to be used on the coast of Africa. 

Among other papers on board, was the following letter of 
instructions:— " The main thing for you to do on the voyage 
is, to be ready, in case you are boarded by a man-of-war, to 
show your log-book (which must be regularly kept from the 
time you leave here), your ship's papers, your charter-party 
for the voyage, your ship's roll and instructions ; and you 
are, in that event, to make all concerned with you American 
sailors according to your roll ; all the others are to be pas- 
sengers. You are to be very careful that, in any cross- 
questions, you do not commit yourself. Always stick to the 
same story. When the vessel is discharged, you must 
at once cut your register in two pieces ; one piece you must 
endorse, direct, and send to Messrs. Thomas Wilson and 
Co., Baltimore ; the other piece you will bring with you, 
and give to me when you return here. You must be very 
particular about that, and do not let any time pass after the 
cargo is out, before you cut the register in two pieces ; and 
be careful to keep them separate : throw one piece overboard 






382 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

if you are obliged to do so by being boarded by a man-of-war." 
The ' Catherine ' had been fitted out at Havannah, cleared 
there, and the necessary papers obtained through the office 
of the American vice-consul. 



CAPTURE OF BRAZILIAN SLAVER ' FIRME, BY THE BOATS 
OF H. M. S. ' DOLPHIN,' LIEUT. LITTLEHALES, ACTING- 
COMMANDER ; UNDER THE COMMAND OF MR. AUGUSTUS 
CHARLES MURRAY, MATE, AND MR. JOHN F. REES, 
SECOND MASTER, 

1841. 

The particulars of this successful and gallant enterprise, for 
which both the above-named officers were promoted, were 
as follows : — 

At daylight, on the 30th May, 1841, the 'Dolphin' being 
under easy sail off Whydah, a brigantine was observed on 
the lee-bow. All sail was immediately made in chase ; but 
as the stranger increased her distance, the cutter, a 20-foot 
boat, with nine men, including the officer, and the gig, with 
six, were despatched at half -past six o'clock, under command 
of Mr. Murray and Mr. E-ees, to endeavour to come up with 
and detain the chase before the setting in of the sea-breeze. 
Both boats being soddened from constant blockading, pulled 
heavy, and the crews had been employed during a squally, 
rainy morning in trimming and making sail; but after a 
harassing pull of two hours and a half under a hot sun, they 
came up with the chase, the gig being rather a-head. The 
brigantine bore down upon her, opening a sharp and con- 
tinued fire of musketry, which was returned, when both 
boats, after steadily reloading under her fire, cheered, and 
boarded on each quarter. The sweeps of the brigantine were 
rigged out, which prevented their boarding by the chains, 
thereby rendering it difficult for more than one or two to get 
up the side at a time. 

Mr. Murray was the first on board, and though knocked 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 383 

back into the boat with the butt-end of a musket, which 
broke his collar-bone, he immediately clambered up the side 
again, in which act his left hand was nearly severed at the 
wrist with the blow of a cutlass. Another cut was made at 
his head, which he parried, cutting the man down. The 
bowman of the gig was shot through the heart while laying 
his oar in, and the bowman of the cutter in getting up the 
side. After a resistance of 20 minutes the vessel was cap- 
tured, most of the crew running below, firing their muskets 
as they retreated. 

Mr. Bees had previously proved himself a most zealous 
and active officer, particularly in the destruction of the slave 
factories at Corisco, by the boats of the ' Wolverine,' Captain 
Tucker. 



VOYAGE OF THE c DORES, A SLAVER, CAPTURED BY H.M.S. 
' DOLPHIN,' FROM ACCRA TO SIERRA LEONE, UNDER 
COMMAND OF LIEUT. AUGUSTUS C. MURRAY, 

From August 12th, 1840, to January 5th, 1841. 

The ' Dores,' a schooner of about 60 feet in length and 15 
in breadth, had been taken at Quittah, in June, and sent in 
charge of the 'Dolphin's* gunner to Sierra Leone. Six 
weeks afterwards she was found about 20 miles below Accra, 
having performed scarcely 30 miles of her passage, and lost 
almost all her prize crew, including the gunner, from fever. 
Mr. Murray, who had but just recovered from wounds re- 
ceived in the action with the ' Firm©,' was then put in com- 
mand of her, with a crew of two men, two boys, and a prisoner 
boy, the only one who had survived the fever. 

His orders were to proceed to Sierra Leone, and the in- 
domitable perseverance with which he adhered to them, 
through formidable dangers and difficulties, together with 
his care of the men under his command during a voyage of 
146 days, are well worthy of being recorded. 

The only cabin which was at all habitable was eight feet 



384 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

in length, five in height at the centre, and three at the sides, 
the breadth decreasing from eleven to two and a half. It was 
entirely destitute of furniture, swarming with vermin, and 
before the end of the voyage, the fumes of the rotting tobacco 
with which the vessel was laden, clinging to the beams, formed 
a coat nearly an inch in thickness. This, with an awning of 
monkey skins, manufactured by themselves, was the only 
refuge for the young officer and his men. The fourth night 
of the voyage was ushered in by the most fearful squalls, 
which gradually freshened till about two in the morning, 
when a tremendous storm came on and obliged them to bear 
up under bare poles ; the seas washing over the little vessel, 
and the wind blowing in the most terrific manner until about 
seven, when it moderated and fell calm. The schooner was 
then observed to float much deeper than before, and on 
sounding, nearly three feet water were found in the hold. 
The pump was immediately set to work, but it hardly fetched 
when it broke and became useless. This was repaired by 
about sunset, and in two hours afterwards the vessel was 
cleared. They then made sail and tacked, steering for Sierra 
Leone, till, on the morning of the 14th of September, they 
sighted land just below the River Sestos. Finding that they 
had but three days' provisions left, the commander deter- 
mined to make them last for six, and stood on in the hope 
of weathering Cape Palmas. This was baffled by a tide that 
set down along shore ; but on the 20th of September, they 
anchored off Cape Coast Castle. Having no provisions re- 
maining, the governor supplied them directly with sufficient 
for forty days, and having refitted, the schooner put to sea 
again on a close sultry morning, which was succeeded by a 
violent gale, lasting three days. About two o'clock one after- 
noon, a rakish-looking brigantine was perceived standing to- 
wards the ' Dores,' and judging her to be a slaver, the young 
officer called his crew together, and having loaded the muskets 
and got the cutlasses ready, they silently awaited her coming 
up, determined to defend themselves. To their great joy, when 
she got within two miles and a half of them, a strong breeze 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 885 

sprang up, which placed the schooner dead to windward, and 
in the morning the brigantine was out of sight. Their sails 
were now so worn that they were obliged to lower them, 
and drift about for a whole day to repair them. Having 
neither chronometer nor sextant, and only a quadrant of 
antique date, often ten, and even twenty miles out of adjust- 
ment, the position of the vessel coidd only be guessed. The 
men behaved admirably during this weary time, employing 
themselves in cleaning their arms, fishing, or making their 
clothes. The rain generally fell in torrents till the 4th 
October, when the day closed in with very heavy appear- 
ances. All preparations were made for the coming gale ; all 
the sails were lowered down but the fore stay-sail, and every- 
thing lashed and secured. The fore stay-sail was kept up to 
place the schooner dead before it. At about five in the 
evening the gale began; it became dead calm, the atmo- 
sphere close, and all around dark. After about half an hour, 
a sound like heavy thunder was heard in the distance, and 
through the gloom a bank of foam was seen hastening to- 
wards the schooner; in a few minutes the stay-sail was 
stowed, and the wind caught her, gradually freshening until 
it burst upon her in all its fury : the rolling sea broke in 
upon her, and completely filled her upper deck ; but the side 
bulwarks were open, and the sea found vent. Having bat- 
tened his crew down below, Mr. Murray lashed himself to 
the deck, and steered the vessel through the storm, which 
continued with heavy thunder and torrents of rain till about 
two in the morning, when, completely exhausted, he fell 
asleep, and was aroused by the crew (who having knocked 
once or twice without reply, believed him to have been 
washed overboard), hammering at the sky-light to get out. 
This gale so strained the schooner, that the water gained to 
two feet a-day ; and, to add to the disasters, one of the crew 
was ill for a fortnight. From the 10th of October till the 
4th of November, when land was again discovered, the 
' Dores ' continued her course for Sierra Leone, experiencing 
the whole weight of the rainy season. It now became evident 

2 c 



386 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

that she could not stem the current ; and that in the course 
of many days she had not made more than four or five miles. 
Mr. Murray then determined to try again to reach Cape 
Palmas, by standing along the land, and thus nearly in- 
curred a new danger from the natives, who assembling on 
the beach, armed with pikes and clubs, as night drew on, 
prepared to attack the schooner should she run on shore. 
Happily a slight breeze sprung up, which gave her steerage 
way, and enabled her to draw off the land. JN"o resource 
remained but to shape her course again for Cape Coast 
Castle to obtain provisions, their stock being exhausted. 
The governor made every effort to prevail on Mr. Murray to 
relinquish the undertaking, which now appeared so hopeless ; 
but he was resolute in staying by the charge intrusted to 
him, and calling his men together, he gave them the choice 
of going on shore to await a passage down to the ' Dolphin.' 
With one consent, they replied," that they would never leave 
him ; holding to the old feeling of a true seaman, never to 
leave his officer at a time of difficulty till death parts him. 
Their provisioning was just completed, when a fatal accident 
diminished the number of the crew. They had been bathing 
after their day's work, and one of them, a black, was still in 
the water, when he was seized by a shark, and so fearfully 
injured that he died before he could be got on board. The 
weary voyage recommenced, and, as before, their chief diver- 
sion was fishing. The sharks, skipjacks, dolphins, and bonetas 
which were caught were counted by hundreds, for they lite- 
rally sailed through a sea of fish. Two parrots had been 
added to their crew, and were a great amusement, becoming 
so tame that they would obey their master's call, and follow 
him afterwards through the streets like dogs. The 9th of 
December was marked by a serious disaster. Seeing a huge 
shark alongside, they had fastened a boneta as a bait to a 
piece of small line, and made a running bowline in the end 
of the peak halliard with the fish towing a little ahead of 
it ; the shark immediately saw and swam after it : they were 
already on the bowline to run him up the side with his head 



AFKICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 387 

a little out of water ; gliding silently along, not two feet 
from them, he came up to the bowline, which was held wide 
open, while the bait was quietly hauled ahead until he was 
far enough through it, then giving a sudden jerk on it, they 
closed it just behind the two side-fins and tried to catch a 
turn with the rope ; but, quick as lightning, the shark gave 
a terrific plunge and tore it through their hands, when Mr. 
Murray unfortunately got in the middle of the coil, and as 
the men had all let go, it had got a half-hitch round his leg, 
and in an instant he was drawn up and over the gunwale. 
Catching at the peak halyards, which were belayed close to 
him, he held on with his only sound hand as he was flying 
overboard, the men also seizing him by the arm. Before he 
could be extricated, the limb was severely injured and torn. 
The only remedy which could be applied was bathing it in 
oil. In the meantime the ' Dores ' progressed, though very 
slowly ; she had become much more leaky, the cargo was 
completely rotten, and the stench drove them all on deck ; 
nor could they heave a particle of it overboard, for then the 
vessel would have capsized, as she had no ballast in. The 
sails were perfectly rotten, so bad that the vessel was often 
a whole day without a stitch of canvas set when the wind 
fell light, that they might be repaired with monkey-skins, 
of which there was a good stock on board. The fourth 
month closed, and the schooner had not yet performed a 
voyage of ten days, from seven to fifteen miles a-day being 
the progress lately made ; but now the current seemed to 
favour her, for a change of forty miles a-day was observed in 
the latitude, and the hearts of officer and men grew lighter, 
notwithstanding their miserable plight, always wet to the 
skin, and unable to change their clothes for days together. 
Two terrific storms were still to be encountered, and at the 
commencement of the second Mr. Murray sent the men 
below, and remained alone on the deck, which he never ex- 
pected to leave alive. The heat of each flash of lightning 
was felt as if from a fire ; the rain falling in torrents, leaked 
in every direction through the deck, and the schooner was 

2 c 2 



388 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

fast filling with water. At length the rain ceased, and the 
lightning became fainter, when they made sail again, 
pumped out, and proceeded till they had made sufficient 
northing for Sierra Leone. They then bore up east, and on 
the 31st December, the colour of the water showed that 
they were nearing the land. On this day they kept their 
Christmas, and many were the hearty toasts they drank to 
those at home. It was not till the 6th January, 146 days 
from the commencement of their voyage, that they anchored 
off Sierra Leone, where it was fully believed that they were 
lost. Here Mr. Murray found his promotion awaiting him 
for the capture of the ' Firme,' and was at once invalided 
home. 

CAPTURE OF THE ' JOSEPHINE ' SLAVER. 

The ' Josephine ' brigantine was the fastest sailer in these 
seas, and had been chased by H.M. ships ' Wolverine,' 
' Bonetta,' ' Cygnet,' and ' Lyra,' all of which she escaped 
by her superiority of sailing. She was at length captured 
by H.M.S. ' Fantome,' Captain Butterfield, in May 1841, 
with 299 slaves on board, after a severe chase of 24 hours, 
going over 257 miles of ground, and carrying a press of sail 
that placed every spar in jeopardy. During the chase the 
captain of the brigantine supposed he had to encounter the 
celebrated ' Waterwitch,' and treated with derision the idea 
of his being captured by a ship-of-war. Captain Butterfield 
was obliged to send his first-lieutenant in charge of the 
prize, leaving himself as the only officer on board, having 
lost by death the master, second-lieutenant, and surgeon. 

CAPTURE OF AN ARMED SLAVER, BY A FOUR -OARED GIG, 
UNDER COMMAND OF MR. TOTTENHAM, MATE, 

1844. 

On the 13th of August, 1844, Mr. John Francis Tottenham, 
mate of H.M.S. ' Hyacinth,' Commander Scott, performed 
a gallant and dashing exploit, which obtained for him his 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 389 

promotion to the rank of lieutenant, and the testimony of 
his commander to the coolness, decision, and gallantry 
displayed by him on the occasion. When off Eish Bay, on 
the west coast of Africa, Mr. Tottenham was sent in a 
four-oared gig, with one spare hand, to communicate with 
the Portuguese Governor. The weather became thick and 
he missed his port, but, knowing that the ' Hyacinth ' was 
working along the coast, anchored for the night, and pulled 
to the southward. On the morning of the 13th he dis- 
covered a brig at anchor without colours, and saw her slip 
and make sail, on which he gave chase. Being to windward, 
and the breeze light, he was enabled to approach her weather- 
beam, and fire a musket ahead, to induce her to heave to 
and show her colours ; this, and a second were disregarded, 
but a port was opened and a gun run out, and brought to 
bear on the boat, which caused the officer to pull into her 
wake, when part of the crew of the brig commenced firing- 
musketry, while the others got the gun on the poop and 
pointed it at the boat. 

Mr. Tottenham now commenced firing, as fast as the 
spare hand could load for him, being just able to keep way 
with the brig. 

Having hit four of the men on board, they left the gun, 
and after firing muskets for twenty minutes, finding they 
were unable to weather the land or tack, without being 
boarded by the boat, they ran the brig on shore, and 
abandoned her to the number of 18, including 3 wounded 
men, leaving another mortally wounded on board. 

In the course of the afternoon the brig was perceived 
from the masthead of the ' Hyacinth,' which stood in and 
anchored, and hove her off, when she proved to be of 200 
tons, fully equipped for conveying about 1000 slaves, with two 
guns of four pounds calibre, loaded, a barrel of powder, and 
a quantity of langridge-shot, a number of muskets, swords, 
and bayonets, on the deck. Almost every bullet expended 
in the gig, was traced to the gun-carriage or its immediate 
vicinity on the poop. 



390 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 



LIEUT. LODTTCCK'S (iX THE ' GEO WLER's ' PIXXACE) 

GALLAXT ATTACK OX A SLAYEB, 

1845. 

Ox the 12th of January, 1845, Lieut. Lodwick, First- 
lieutenant of H.M. steamer ' Growler,' Captain Buckle, 
who had been away for some time cruizing in the pinnace, 
on the look-out for slavers, fell in with a felucca, which, on 
seeing the pinnace, hove to ; and the officer expected that 
she would make no resistance, as she might have got away 
if she had chosen. "When the pinnace, however, was within 
30 yards, they observed a whole range of muskets, fore and 
aft the felucca ; after this, Lieut. Lodwick cheered his men 
on to get up to her before she discharged this fearful 
battery ; but no sooner was the cheer out, than the felucca 
opened on the boat. This was a staggerer for the poor 
boat ; but fortunately, this time they fired too high (the 
felucca had now filled and was going just as fast as the boat 
could pull). Lieut. Lodwick now returned this with a 
round shot and 180 balls in a bag. In the first volley from 
the felucca, the rim of the officer's hat was shot through ; 
but their second volley told with mortal effect ; two men 
were shot dead, and Lieut. Lodwick and two men severely 
wounded — the officer having been struck on the left knee 
and thigh. This left the pinnace with so few men, that 
having had six of its oars shot away, it was obliged to leave 
the field, and was picked up by the ' Growler,' standing 
towards the ' Gallinas,' boat and gear literally riddled with 
shot. 

Lieut. Lodwick was promoted for his gallantry. The 
felucca had been chased by every vessel on the coast, and 
always got away clear. She was afterwards captured by a 
war- steamer, and bore evident marks of her conflict with 
the pinnace. There were about 70 men on board, English, 
French, and Americans, and she was commanded by an 
Englishman. 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 391 



CAPTURE OF THE ' FELICIDADE ' AND ' ECHO SLAVERS, 
BY H.M.S. ' WASP,' AND RECAPTURE OF ' FELICIDADE,' 
BY H.M.S. ' STAR,' 

1845. 
As H.M.S. ' Wasp,' Captain TTsherwood, was cruizing in 
tlie Bight of Benin, near Lagos, on the 27th February, 
1845, a strange sail was seen, and Lieut. Stupart was imme- 
diately ordered in pursuit. At about eight o'clock in the 
evening he came up with her, and found her to be the 
' Eelicidade,' a Brazilian schooner, fitted for the slave-trade, 
with a slave-deck of loose planks over the cargo, and a crew 
of 28 men. "With the exception of her captain and another 
man, they were transferred to the ' Wasp,' and Lieut. 
Stupart, with Mr. Palmer, midshipman, and a crew of 15 
English seamen, remained in charge of the prize. On the 
1st March, the boats of the ' Eelicidade,' under Mr. Palmer, 
captured a second prize, the ' Echo,' with 430 slaves on 
board and a crew of 28 men, leaving Mr. Palmer, with 
7 English seamen and 2 Kroomen, onboard the 'Eelicidade.' 
Several of the ' Echo's ' crew were also sent on board, as 
prisoners, with their captain. The officer and prize-crew 
were overpowered and murdered, and an unsuccessful at- 
tempt made to regain possession of the ' Echo.' The ' Eeli- 
cidade' was seen and chased on the 6th March by H.M.S. 
' Star,' Commander Dunlop. When she was boarded, no 
one was on her deck, the crew being concealed below ; and 
on being found and questioned, they stated the vessel to be 
the ' Yirginie,' and accounted for their wounds by the 
falling of a spar ; but there were traces of a conflict, and 
many tokens which proved that English seamen had been 
on board. She was then sent to Sierra Leone, in charge of 
Lieut. Wilson and 9 men. Whilst on the passage, during a 
heavy squall, the schooner went over, filled and sank, so as 
only to leave part of her bow-rail above water. When fche 
squall passed, the whole of the crew were found clinging to 



392 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

tlie bow-rail. Some expert divers endeavoured to extract 
provisions from the vessel, but without success ; and nothing 
but death stared them in the face, as the schooner was 
gradually sinking. Lieut. "Wilson ascertained that there 
were three common knives among the party, and it was re- 
solved to make a raft of the main-boom and gaff, and such 
other floating materials as remained above water. These 
they secured by such ropes as could be cut and unrove from 
the rigging, and a small quantity of cordage was retained to 
make good any defects they might sustain by the working 
of the spars ; a small top-gallant studding-sail was obtained 
for a sail, and upon this miserable float the ten persons 
made sail for the coast of Africa, distant 200 miles, without 
rudder, oar, compass, provisions, or water. Being almost 
naked, and washed by every wave, their sufferings were very 
great. Famished for food and drink, scorched by a burning 
sun during the clay, and chilled with cold during the night, 
they thus remained twenty days. Delirium and death re- 
lieved the raft of part of its load of misery, two blacks being 
the first to sink under their sufferings. The question 
naturally suggests itself, how did the siuvivors support life? 
Some persons would be almost afraid to put the question, or 
hear the answer. There is nothing, however, to wound our 
feelings, but much to admire, in the admirable conduct of 
Lieut. Wilson and his men dining these melancholy and 
miserable twenty days. Showers of rain occasionally fell : 
they caught some water in their little sail, which they 
drank, and put some into a small keg that had floated out of 
the vessel. The sea was almost always breaking over the 
spars of the raft, which was surrounded by voracious sharks. 
The farnishing sailors actually caught with a bowling-knot a 
shark, eight feet in length, with their bare hands, and 
hauled it upon the raft , they killed it, drank the blood, and 
ate part of the flesh, husbanding the remainder. In this 
way three other sharks were taken, and upon these sharks 
the poor fellows managed to prolong their lives till picked 
up (in sight of the land) in what may be termed the very 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 393 

zero of Hying misery. Lieut. "Wilson and four seamen sur- 
vived and recovered their strength. Order and discipline 
were maintained upon the raft; fortitude, forethought, a 
reliance upon Divine providence, and good conduct, enabled 
these Englishmen to surmount such horrible sufferings, 
whilst the Kroomen and Portuguese sank under them. 



CAPTURE OF A SLAVER BY H.M.S. ' PANTALOON/ 

1845. 

H.M.S ' Pantaloon,' 10-gun sloop, Commander Wilson, had 
been for two days in chase of a large slave-ship, and suc- 
ceeded in coming up with her becalmed, about two miles off 
Lagos, on the 26th May, 1845. The cutter, and two whale- 
boats, were sent under the command of the Pirst-lieutenant, 
Mr. Lewis D. T. Prevost, with the master, Mr. J. T. Crout, 
and the boatswain, Mr. Pasco, some marines and seamen, 
amounting to about 30 altogether, to make a more intimate 
acquaintance with the stranger. The pirate gave the boats 
an intimation of what they were to expect as they neared, 
by opening on them a heavy fire of round-shot, grape, and 
canister, in such a spirited style, that, after returning the 
compliment by a volley of musketry, the boats prepared for 
hard work. -Animated by the show of resistance, each boat 
now emulated the other in reaching the enemy, the pirate 
continuing a sharp fire as they steadily advanced ; the ma- 
rines as briskly using their muskets. In half an-hour from 
the discharge of the first gun from the slaver, the boats of 
the ' Pantaloon ' were alongside ; Lieut. Prevost and Mr. 
Pasco on the starboard, and Mr. Crout, in the cutter, on 
the port side. The pirate crew, sheltering themselves as 
much as possible, nevertheless continued to fire the guns, 
loading them with all sorts of missiles, bullets, nails, lead, 
&c. ; and amidst a shower of these our brave sailors and 
marines dashed on board. Lieut. Prevost and his party, in 
the two boats, were soon on the deck of the prize. The 
master boarded on the port bow, and, despite the formidable 



394 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

resistance and danger, followed by one of his boat's crew, 
actually attempted to enter the port as they were firing the 
gun from it. He succeeded in getting through, but his 
seconder was knocked overboard by the discharge. The 
gallant fellow, however, nothing daunted, was in an instant 
up the side again, taking part with the master, who was en- 
gaged in a single encounter with one or two of the slaver's 
crew. Having gained the deck after a most determined 
resistance, they now encountered the pirates hand to hand, 
when the cutlass and bayonet did the remainder of the 
work. Lieut. Prevost finally succeeded in capturing the 
vessel, but the pirates fought desperately, and it was not 
until 7 of their number lay dead on the deck, and 7 or 8 
more were severely wounded, that they ran below and 
yielded. In the encounter, 2 British seamen were killed ; 
the master and boatswain, and 5 others, were severely 
wounded. Lieut. Prevost received immediate promotion. 

LIEUT. MANSFIELD AND PRIZE CREW — DEFENCE OF THE 
' ROMEO PRIMERO/ AGAINST AN ATTEMPT AT RECAP- 
TURE, 

1847. 

Ox the 22nd of July, 1847, H.M.S. < Waterwitch,' with 
H.M.S. ' Eapid,' in company, captured the Brazilian brigan- 
tine 'Romeo Primero,' which was subsequently given in 
charge to Lieut. W. Gt. Mansfield, R.N., and four seamen, 
to be conveyed to St. Helena for adjudication. Owing to 
adverse winds, and the unmanageable qualities of the prize, 
the officer in command found it necessary to alter his desti- 
nation, and to bear up for Sierra Leone. On the 11th of 
August, about mid-day, two of the crew being engaged 
aloft and the others in the bunks, where the arms were 
stowed, the lieutenant, being at the moment pulling a rope 
which had been recently spliced, was murderously assailed 
from behind by one of the prisoners with an axe used for 
chopping firewood. There were four of them who were 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 395 

during the day-time allowed the liberty of the vessel. At 
the same moment, the other three prisoners furiously attacked 
the sailors in the bunks, who, from the unexpected nature of 
the assault, were driven from their post wounded and un- 
armed. Lieut. Mansfield, laying hold of a piece of firewood, 
gallantly, but unequally, contended with a Brazilian, armed 
with a cutlass ; in the course of a desperate struggle the 
officer received no fewer than nine wounds, more or less 
severe ; a great coat which he wore being, under Providence, 
the means of saving him from instant death. The two 
sailors who had been occupied in the shrouds, having 
reached the deck, of course, unarmed, the lieutenant, nearly 
exhausted by profuse haemorrhage, made a violent effort to 
join them, in which he fortunately proved successful, though 
in his progress one of the prisoners discharged at him a 
marine's musket, the contents of which took effect, inflicting 
a most dangerous wound on his head, and bringing him for 
an instant to the deck. Having succeeded in recovering 
his feet and gaining his men, he encouraged them to rush 
aft upon their armed antagonists; a piece of service which 
three of their number performed in the most daring man- 
ner ; the fourth seaman (since dead) being hors de combat from 
his wounds, and the lieutenant himself fainting at the in- 
stant from loss of blood. The intrepidity of the three 
British tars rendered them more than a match for their 
armed antagonists, whom they speedily overpowered ; one 
of the prisoners leaping overboard and perishing in the 
waves. Believing their officer to be killed, the seamen, in 
the excitement of the moment, were about to hurl the sur- 
viving prisoners over the gangway, when Lieut. Mansfield, 
partially reviving, ordered them to be imprisoned, that 
their wounds should be washed, and that they should be re- 
served to be dealt with by the authorities at Sierra Leone. 
On the 1st of September, the ' Borneo Primero,' the scene 
of this bloody encounter, entered the port. Lieut. Mans- 
field, who, since the day of the conflict, had scarcely been 
able to stir hand or foot, was promptly conveyed to sick- 



396 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

quarters, and for many days his life was entirely despaired 
of by his medical attendants. The gallant little crew, all 
wounded, were also looked after in the best manner which 
skill and sympathy could suggest, but two were soon be- 
yond the reach of human succour ; one dying of the direct 
consequences of his wounds, and the second, of fever induced 
by them. After a fortnight of extreme danger on shore, 
Lieut. Mansfield showed symptoms of recovery, and in the 
same year received the rank of commander. 

RESCUE OF SLAVES IN THE RIVER POXGOS, BY COM- 
MANDER H. DUXLOP, H.M.S. ' ALERT,' 
1849. 

Captain Dunlop, of H.M.S. ' Alert,' having anchored oft 
Biombo Point, on the night of the 10th of December, 1849, 
his object was to ascertain with as little delay as possible 
whether the slaves that he supposed Joze Vaurell had sent 
up from the river Pongos were still in the barracoons of the 
slave-dealer, Don Victor, as by that means he could judge 
whether any slaver had been lately in the river, or whether 
it was probable that one was expected. With this view, he 
sent the pinnace, in charge of the second lieutenant, to 
examine the St. Martinho and other creeks, in the immediate 
vicinity of the ship, up one of which Capt. Dunlop had 
reason to think Don Victor's barracoons were. He directed 
the officer to land the pilot wherever it was probable he 
could with safety obtain information ; the pilot being a na- 
tive of this part of the country, Capt. Dunlop had hopes 
that he might be found useful. 

The pinnace brought back intelligence of the exact locality 
of the barracoons, and that there were certainly slaves in 
them ; Captain Dunlop therefore determined to wait for 
some days, in hopes of intercepting the vessel sent for this 
cargo. On the 22nd instant the pilot was sent on shore, 
with a party of Kroomen, to cut some wood at Biombo 
Point, and while so engaged, some of the slaves came to him 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 397 

and told him that Don Victor had a number of slaves in 
chains in his barracoons who were very ill-treated ; that it 
was against the law of their country to carry on the slave- 
trade, and that they hoped the English would liberate these 
slaves ; and that their king (whose name is Branco, King of 
Biombo) would himself have gone on board the man-of- 
war to make the same request, but that he was ill. This 
announcement was quite voluntary on the part of these na- 
tives, and they received no present of any kind, either before 
or after making it. 

On hearing this intelligence Capt. Dunlop determined, 
as far as lay in his power, to turn it to the advantage of the 
unfortunate people chained in the barracoons ; he, therefore, 
at daylight the next morning took the boats up the creek 
and landed at the town where the barracoons were, and 
having personally communicated with the natives through an 
interpreter, he found that what the pilot had told him was 
strictly true as regarded their feelings ; and he received a 
second message from the king, stating his inability to come 
and see Capt. Dunlop in consequence of his illness, and 
the distance of the town in which he resided from the place 
where Capt. Dunlop then was. Capt. Dunlop then took a 
party of men with him and proceeded towards Don Victor's 
barracoon. The latter met Capt. Dunlop on the way, who 
told him that he understood he had slaves in his barracoon ; 
that the king and natives of the country represented to him 
that Don Victor's having slaves for exportation was contrary 
to their laws, and that, although afraid to do so themselves, 
they had applied to him to liberate them ; that, consequently, 
he should take them out of the barracoons, and give them 
their choice of either remaining where they were at liberty, 
or of going with him to Sierra Leone. Don Victor at once 
confessed that the slaves were in the barracoon, but said that 
they did not belong to him, but were the property of Joze 
Vaurell, who had sent them up from the Pongos, and that he 
merely took charge of them for him until such time as they 
could be shipped. 



398 AFKICAX COAST BLOCKADE. 

Capt. Dunlop then entered the barracoons and found 21 
slaves, 19 of whom were heavily ironed; the two without 
irons were in a dying state. He had the irons knocked off 
by one of Victor's own men, and the slaves were then told 
they were at liberty ; but that, if they were afraid to remain 
where they were, they might go with Capt. Dunlop to 
Sierra Leone, upon which they all proceeded to the boats, 
with the exception of the two above mentioned, who were too 
ill to be moved. Capt. Dunlop then requested Don Victor 
to accompany him to another barracoon he had some miles 
higher up the creek, which he immediately consented to do. 
At the second barracoon Capt. Dunlop found 48 slaves, 
men, women, and children included : as they were on a 
small island on the creek, from which they could not easily 
have escaped, they were not kept in irons during the day, 
but were chained by the neck to each other at night. The 
same choice of staying in the country at liberty, or of going 
to Sierra Leone, was given to the slaves, when they all im- 
mediately declared their wish to be taken away, excepting 
one woman, who was accordingly left behind, and who had 
probably connected herself with one of Don Victor's people. 
Kot being able conveniently to stow so many people in 
their boats, Capt. Dunlop borrowed a canoe from some of 
the natives, in which to put a part of them, promising to re- 
turn the canoe the next day, and to pay for the use of it ; 
but -when the money was offered to them, they positively 
refused to receive it, and therefore, from first to last, got no 
present of any kind. This circumstance is merely men- 
tioned to show how decidedly their feelings were in favour 
of Capt. Dunlop liberating these slaves, as they were, on 
other occasions, exceedingly alive to the advantages to be 
derived from the possession of money, and made those who 
purchased fowls or fruit pay a high price for them. Capt. 
Dunlop having ascertained from the liberated negroes that 
there were about 30 more slaves who had been sent up lately 
from the Pongos by Joze Vaurell, on a small island called 
Papagaio, within a few miles of the ship, he took the boats 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 399 

there the next day. When he landed, Don Victor's men 
positively denied that any slaves were there ; but upon send- 
ing parties to search the island, they very soon discovered, 
hid in the thickest part of the jungle, a party of 15 slaves, 
chained by the neck, who pointed where 19 women and 
children were likewise hidden. The chains being taken off 
these people, they expressed their anxiety to be taken on 
board Capt. Dunlop's ship, which he accordingly did; and 
finding that he had now liberated all the slaves held by Don 
Yictor, with the exception of the two dying men (whom it 
was impossible to move from the place where they were 
lying), and the woman who wished to remain, he lost no 
time in proceeding with them to Sierra Leone. 

CAPTURE OF A SLAVER BY H.M.S. * PHCENIX/ COMMANDER 

WODEHOUSE, 

1850. 

0^ the morning of the 13th of April, 1850, whilst H.M. 
steam-vessel ' Phoenix ' was dodging about on her cruizing- 
ground, the exciting cry of " Sail, oh! " from the mast-head 
Avas a sufficient inducement to get her steam up and make 
all possible sail in chase. The stranger was about 14 miles 
off when first seen, and running towards the ' Phoenix ' 
under all studding-sails ; but no sooner did she discern the 
English cruizer (and a steamer to boot), than she took in 
every studding-sail, and hauled dead on a wind which soon 
proved what she was to the satisfaction of all on board the 
' Phoenix.' She was chased from one o'clock until eight, p.m., 
the last two hours of the chase being so dark that there was 
some risk of losing sight of her, when, after six or eight 
63-pound shot had been dropped uncomfortably close to her, 
she hove to and showed a light over the stern, it being very 
dark. The ' Phoenix ' then ranged up alongside of her to 
leeward, when the slavers, driven to desperation at their 
being captured, put the helm up, filled and van right into 
the cruizer, no doubt thinking she was a paddle-wheel steamer, 



400 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

and intending to damage the wheels. However, the ' Phoenix ' 
bore the shock nobly. The slaver struck her on the star- 
board bow, and only carried away a few of the shifting bul- 
warks and a little iron-work of the 'Phcenix,' leaving on 
board her jib and flying jib-boom, with all the sails and gear 
attached, which were broken off short. She then gradually 
dropped astern close alongside the ' Phcenix,' which still had 
a great deal of way on her, though the engines were stopped 
immediately, when the gear in-board of the ' Phoenix ' by 
which she was hanging dragged her fore-top-gallant-mast, 
top-gallant-sail, and royal and main-top-mast, with all the 
gear and sails attached, over the side. She then dropped 
astern clear of the ship, a perfect wreck, her bowsprit, com- 
pletely unshipped, lying over her starboard bow — her masts 
gone by the board, lower masts unstepped, and her cut- 
water and bows completely knocked to pieces, and leaking 
like a sieve. A well-manned and armed boat was imme- 
diately sent in charge of the first-lieutenant to take pos- 
session of her. On first boarding her a large poopoo-tub 
was found with a small spar placed in it, and a lantern 
lashed to the top of the spar all ready to be put overboard, 
with the intention of misleading the British cruizer into 
going in chase of it instead of the vessel, but the ' Phcenix ' 
was too old in the service to be duped by this common 
device. 

The crew of the slaver were landed the next day, and a 
survey held on the prize, which proved so crippled and un- 
seaworthy that she was forthwith burned. Eight slavers 
were captured by H.M.S. ' Phoenix ' about the same time. 

CAPTURE OF THE SLAVER ' ANNE D. RICHARDSON/ BY 
H.M. STEAM-FRIGATE ' PLUTO, ' COMMANDER JOLIFFE, 

1850. 

On the morning of the 14th of February, 1850, about 
half-past six o'clock a.m., a sail was seen from the deck of 
H.M.S. ' Pluto,' cruizing off the coast, but owing to a 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 401 

dense fog she could not be made out. The steam was im- 
mediately got up, and the ' Pluto ' proceeded in chase. 
About seven o'clock the stranger was made out to be a 
large barque standing along the land on the starboard tack. 
She hoisted no colours as the cruiser approached her, al- 
though the ' Pluto ' had carried hers from the time she was 
first sighted. As the ' Pluto ' passed under her stern, the 
captain was ordered to hoist his colours, and forthwith the 
American ensign was shown. On being requested to heave 
to, he refused, saying he could not afford to lose time, but 
on the request being repeated, he complied, and Commander 
Joliffe then going on board, demanded his papers, which he 
produced, with the exception of the manifest of his cargo. 
On closely examining his papers, Commander Joliffe ob- 
served that two signatures which should have been in the 
same hand were signed by different hands ; this immediately 
excited suspicion, which was strengthened by the fact that 
the whole of the vessel's sails were made of light cotton 
canvas, and of such a size that no legal trader could afford 
to carry a sufficient number of men to work them. He 
stated his doubt and pointed out the signatures, which, not 
being accounted for, he returned on board ; and on referring 
to the officers and ship's company, he decided upon detain- 
ing her on suspicion. Lieut. Shewell was therefore sent 
with a party of men to take charge of her. The captain of 
the barque inquired what was to be done with her, and on 
being answered that he would be sent to an American man- 
of-war unless he opened his hatches and proved he was an 
honest man, the main hatchway was opened, and a Brazilian 
crew, 13 in number, found concealed on a slave-deck. The 
captain then hauled his colours down and threw them over- 
board, after which the barque was taken in tow and brought 
to an anchor off Ambriz, her captain protesting against the 
whole proceeding, stating that he was a lawful trader and 
should protect his vessel; though, on preparations being 
made to send him away for that purpose on the following 
morning, he withdrew his protest, and gave certificates stat- 

2n 



402 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

ing that lie did not claim the protection of any nation, and 
did not wish to defend his vessel. He was then landed 
with the passengers and crew, at their own request, and the 
prize sent to St. Helena for adjudication. 

ENCOUNTER WITH BLACK PIRATES, 
1850. 
A meechant ship having been captured by black pirates, 
who murdered some of the crew and carried the vessel up 
the river Seba, the French governor of Senegal sent a small 
man-of-war steamer and some marines to accompany the 
' Centaur,' Captain Buckle, and 'Teazer,' Lieut. Selwyn, with a 
number of marines and 60 soldiers to chastise the marauders. 
The two British men-of-war, and the French steamer ' Buby,' 
having gone up the creek where the island is situated, an- 
chored off the place where they were to land. The ' Centaur,' 
being too large to come up so far, sent up her boats, 12 
in number, while she remained about three miles down. 
Captain Buckle and Mr. Selwyn then went in advance of 
the other boats near the shore, intending to demand the 
restitution of the vessel, together with the men who mur- 
dered the crew, when they were fired at, and Mr. Young, 
midshipman of the ' Centaur,' was dangerously wounded in 
the breast. The ' Teazer ' and ' Buby ' then opened a furious 
cannonade, which lasted nearly half an hour. The natives 
stood it without answering a shot, but as the first boat at- 
tempting to land came near the bush through which it was 
necessary to pass, a volley was fired which took fatal effect, 
killing Lieut. Crockets commanding the marines, and dan- 
gerously wounding eight others, sailors and marines. They 
then withdrew, and the men in the boats landed without 
further opposition ; and after beating about for some time 
returned to their vessels. The single shot which wounded 
Mr. Young, and the volley, was the only firing from the 
enemy. The next day the party went 10 miles up the creek 
and recovered the merchant vessel without opposition or 
seeing a man. 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 403 



SKIRMISH ON THE CONGO RIVER, 
1852. 

Ox the 19th of June, 1852, while H.M. brigantine ' Dolphin,' 
Lieut.- Commander Henry Temple, was lying in the river 
Congo, an American brig, the ' Mary Adeline,' attempted 
the passage up the river ; but on reaching Sharks' Point, a 
position of great danger, owing to the strong currents sweep- 
ing round it, she touched the ground, and in a few minutes 
the stream and surf imbedded her fast ashore. The danger 
of the brig was instantly observed by the ' Dolphin,' Avhich 
at once made preparations for her assistance ; but while doing 
so, the master of the vessel in distress, seeing that he and 
his crew could do nothing towards getting the vessel afloat, 
made the distress-signal by hoisting the American ensign 
reversed. "Within half an hour of the disaster the brigan- 
tine' s boats, with anchors, hawsers, &c, were alongside the 
stranded brig ; but the tide falling at the time, rendered 
merely preparatory measures necessary for heaving off the 
vessel next day. To the surprise of all, on the following 
morning the river was crowded with canoes, from 10 to 40 
natives in each, all armed, and at least two-thirds with 
muskets. Their movements left no doubt as to their pre- 
datory and hostile intentions. A boat's gun with ammuni- 
tion was sent on board, and fitted in the brig. The ' Dol- 
phin,' as soon as circumstances could permit, took up a 
position within gun-range for her protection. The natives 
appeared determined not to lose their prey, and poured a 
fire of musketry into the stranded vessel, and brought their 
scaling-ladders in front, evidently determined on boarding. 
Under these circumstances the ' Dolphin ' opened a lire of 
shot and shell, and in a little time cleared the beach of the 
assailants, whose numbers must have exceeded 3,000. This 
being done, the next object was to get the brig oil", and 
every endeavour was made to do so. In the evening H.M. 
steam-ship 'Firefly' arrived, and sent her boats to aesbt. 

2n2 



404 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

During the night the natives, who had merely retired to the 
bush, again returned to the beach, and fired a few muskets 
on the brig, but without injury. The next morning another 
movement took place on the part of the enemy. They ap- 
peared to concentrate and meditate a second boarding attack ; 
but a shot from the ' Dolphin ' fortunately again dispersed 
them. The surf rolled in heavily during the day, increasing 
considerably the difficulties and dangers of the necessary 
operations; so much so, that the 'Dolphin's^ cutter and 
crew were capsized by the rollers, and one man seriously in- 
jured. Finding it necessary completely to lighten the brig, 
the cargo was transferred to the ' Dolphin,' and by great 
industry and exertion the brigantine succeeded in heaving 
off the ' Mary Adeline ' on the evening of the 22nd. 



ATTACK OX MEDINA, SIERRA LEONE RIVER, BY H.M.S. 
' TEAZER,' LIEUT. RICH, AND ' LLNNETV BOATS, 



Medina, one of the largest and most regularly-built of the 
native Mandingo towus, is situated at the mouth of the 
Sierra Leone river. It stands on flat land, at an elevation 
of 150 or 200 feet from the sea, and is siurounded by a 
strong mud wall and stockades, and fortified by a battery of 
five small pieces of ordnance, placed in a commanding posi- 
tion for defence. The town of Medina, and the country for 
one mile inland, is within British jurisdiction, and the chief 
had entered into a treaty for the protection of British in- 
terests, and suppression of the slave-trade ; but he is, never- 
theless, suspected of having connived at it; and on his 
refusal to deliver up a British subject, who had been kid- 
napped and carried to his town, as well as the perpetrator of 
the deed, Governor Kennedy made a requisition on Com- 
mander Need to send the ' Teazer ' either to bring back the 
parties in question, or to destroy the town. The ' Teazer ' 
accordingly got up steam on the morning of the 11th March, 
1853, and proceeded to the Bullom shore with the ' Linnet's ' 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 405 

boats in tow ; and at 9 a.m. came to anchor one mile off the 
land. All the boats were then manned, and, having effected 
a landing, the men were marched up to the town, where Com- 
mander Need and Lieut. Rich were received by Kelch Moodah 
and his headman, Sirreh Moodah. Commander Need then 
explained the object of his visit, and desired to have a con- 
ference with the chiefs. On this the tom-tom immediately 
beat for a war palaver ; and in less than 10 minutes numerous 
• petty chiefs, with war men, numbering about 500, all armed 
with spears, cutlasses, and firelocks, and no lack of ammu- 
nition, nocked to their chiefs' rendezvous. Having heard 
the governor's despatch, which Commander Need read, they 
conferred together for some time ; and having resolved not 
to deliver up the captive and the accused, Commander Need 
retired with his men to their boats, followed by the native 
warriors, who, imagining that they had scared the white 
men, performed a war-dance on the shore. In the course of 
half an hour a fire with shot and shell was opened on the 
town from the ' Teazer,' supported by a cross-fire from the 
gun-boats of the ' Linnet,' which was continued for a quarter 
of an hour, when Captain Need again landed, and marched 
up to the now-deserted town. The chief appeared after a 
little delay, gave himself up to spare the town, and was 
brought off as a hostage for the men demaaded, who were 
given up in a day or two, the chief having meanwhile been 
allowed to be at large, on giving his word not to attempt to 
leave the colony. These measures were necessary to impress 
on the chiefs the duty of adhering to the treaty they had 
signed, as it appears that Kelch Moodah considered himself 
too strong within his town to be made to feel the power of 
British law. 



CAPTURE OF SLAVERS IN THE RIO PONG OS, BY THE BOATS 
OF H.M.S. ' LINNET,' COMMANDER II. NEED. 

Information having been given to Commodore Seymour 
that two suspected vessels in the river Pongos were being 



406 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

prepared for slaves, Commander Need, of H.M.S. ' Linnet,' 
proceeded up the river on the 30th April, 1853, in her 
pinnace and two gigs to search for them ; and on the follow- 
ing morning learned from an English schooner that a large 
Spanish schooner was lying in a small creek, about 5 miles 
up, waiting for a cargo. They soon came in sight of her, 
with most of her sails spread over her sides, and green bushes 
hanging around her bows. The moment the crew perceived 
the boats they left the vessel and got on shore. She proved 
to be the ' Bellona,' of Barcelona, a fine brigantine, of about 
350 tons. Having anchored her in a wide part of the river, 
with the crew of one of the gigs in charge, the pinnace and 
the other gig proceeded up the next creek, where a fine 
schooner was soon discovered, without cargo or crew, but 
having her beams laid, and the slave-deck piled up in her 
wings, ready for laying when the slaves came on board. 



DESTRUCTION OF BARRACOONS, BY COMMANDER J. STRANGE, 

AFRICA, 

1851. 

The natives at the mouth of the Benin River have for some 
time past borne a bad name. About the latter end of the 
year 1850 they were guilty of several acts of piracy upon 
the long-boats of merchant vessels entering the river for the 
purposes of trade. Early in 1851 Mr. Beecroft, the British 
Consul for the Bights of Benin and Biafra, in consequence 
of the representations he had received from the agents and 
masters of vessels trading to the Benin, visited the river in 
the 'Jackal,' a small man-of-war steamer commanded by 
Lieut. Norman B. Bedingfield, with the intention of remon- 
strating with the chiefs, and of settling the matter, if 
possible, by peaceable measures. 

In order to put affairs on a permanently satisfactory 
footing, he found it necessary to proceed to Warree, the 
seat of government, about 100 miles up the river. On his 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 407 

return from thence, he learned that during his absence the 
factory at the mouth of the river had been attacked by the 
natives of Bonbee and Battary, and property to a large 
amount plundered, the European residents having only 
escaped with their lives by taking refuge on board a mer- 
chant schooner. 

This audacity on the part of the natives, whom usually 
the mere mention of a man-of-war was sufficient to over- 
come, determined the consul to take stronger measures, and 
accordingly a schooner was despatched to look for a man-of- 
war, with a letter addressed to her commander, urging him 
to repair to the Benin as soon as possible for the purpose of 
chastising the pirates. 

On the 23rd March the ' Archer ' anchored off the bar of 
the river, and her commander, Captain Strange, having 
learned the particulars, left two boats, a cutter and a whale- 
boat, with 20 men, to assist Lieut. Bedingfield in the pro- 
tection of the factory, while he proceeded in search of his 
pinnace, which had been left watching Lagos during his 
absence. On the 26th the ' Archer ' again anchored off the 
bar, and her remaining boats attempted to pass it, but finding 
the sea breaking the whole way across, were compelled to 
return to their ship. On the following day, however, they 
succeeded in joining the ' Jackal ' off Factory Isle. 

It was hoped that the increase of force would have a 
salutary effect on the marauders, and that matters would be 
settled without having recourse to hostilities ; and in this hope 
Mr. Beecroft and Captain Strange agreed that no offensive 
demonstration should take place that afternoon. 

The latter, however, with Lieut. Bedingfield, in their 
respective gigs, proceeded to reconnoitre the mouth of the 
creek, where the town of Bonbee was situated, and if pos- 
sible, to find a passage deep enough for the large boats to 
enter. On approaching the shore, a number of men appeared 
armed with muskets, who after a preliminary volley of abuse, 
opened a fire upon the two gigs. The distance was too 
great for doing mischief, but the fire was returned while the 



408 AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 

boats continued sounding, and succeeded in the object of 
finding a channel. 

This act of aggression on the part of the Bonbees now 
left no alternative ; but the tide was then falling, and any 
attack that afternoon must have been indecisive, while it 
would probably have been attended with much unnecessary 
bloodshed. The boats which had come promptly up to the 
support of the two gigs, were therefore ordered back to the 
' Jackal,' and preparations were made for an attack the 
following day. 

The town was situated on a branch of the river running 
in a southerly direction. Between the town and the river 
was a small creek running parallel to the main stream, and 
divided from it by a narrow peninsula of sand covered with 
brushwood about eight feet high, which had the effect of 
masking the town and concealing any preparations that 
might be making inside, while it afforded a most favourable 
cover for musketry. The channel which had been sounded 
on the 27th, approached the entrance of the branch above 
mentioned in a winding direction, and compelled the boats 
to pass the peninsula in single file, and so near as almost to 
touch it with their oars. 

At 11 a.m. of the 28th, the 'Jackal' weighed from her 
anchorage off Factory Isle, and took up a position abreast of 
the town, as near as the shoals would admit of, in order to 
cover the boats with the fire of her 18-pounder. The boats' 
crews took an early dinner, and at noon (the tide being 
about quarter-flood), after an experimental shot from the 
' Jackal V gun at long range, which was seen to throw up 
the muddy water out of the creek, the force, consisting of 
eight boats, viz., the pinnace, two cutters, and two whale- 
boats of the ' Archer,' and the cutter, gig, and jolly-boat of 
the ' Jackal,' containing in all 92 officers and men, including 
14 Kroomen, started off on their expedition. 

On nearing the shore, the musketry with which the jungle 
was filled opened upon the boats. Soon after the firing had 
begun, the pinnace grounded several times, the tide having 



AFRICAN COAST BLOCKADE. 409 

scarcely risen enough, and at last it became necessary for 
the Kroonien to jump into the water to shove her over the 
flats, the other boats closing round her to protect them, 
during all which time a heavy fire was kept up on both 
sides, but, as far as our people were concerned, a harmless 
one. 

At length the intricacies of the channel being past, the 
boats made for the entrance of the creek, the pinnace, 
under Lieut. Badge of the ' Archer ' leading. The point of 
the peninsula above described, which appeared from outside 
the most critical part, was passed without a shot being fired, 
it having been well swept by the canister and shrapnell 
shell from the pinnace's 12-pounder. 

On rounding the point, five war-canoes, each holding 
about 40 men, and armed with a swivel (about a 3-pounder) 
in the bow, were seen drawn up across the creek. Three 
more small guns were planted in front of the town ; the 
whole in such a position as to rake the boats as they entered. 
Their fire, however, as well as the musketry from the town, 
although delivered at about 30 yards, did no damage. 

A well-directed shot from the pinnace sent the canoes to 
the right-about, and the town was taken possession of and 
burnt without further opposition. In this affair the boats 
suffered no loss. That of the pirates, at the lowest estimate, 
was about 40 killed. It is impossible to say what number 
were engaged on their side, but 400 would not be over the 
mark. 

The following morning the boats again proceeded into the 
creek, and destroyed another town close to the one burnt 
on the 28th, but which, from being concealed by the jungle, 
had escaped notice. The resistance on that occasion was 
trifling, and no casualty occurred. 

The effect of these operations upon the pirates and upou 
the natives in general was very satisfactory. Several canoe- 
loads of stolen property were returned immediately, and at 
a meeting of chiefs and headmen of towns on board the 
' Jackal,' the most powerful one was unanimously elected 



410 MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM TUCKER, R.N. 

chief of the Benin River, who was to be responsible for the 
protection of trade in future. 



MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM TUCKER, R.N., 

1842. 

Captain Tucker was the third son of the Rev. 0. Tucker, 
vicar of Borden in Kent, and was born in 1795. In 1809 
he joined the ' Arniston ' East Indiaman, but preferring the 
king's service he left this ship in India, and was received as 
a volunteer on board the ' Diomede.' He afterwards served 
in the ' Ramillies,' and then in the ' Cumberland' both 74' s, 
the latter of which was successively employed in the West 
Indies, and in watching the Dutch fleet in the Texel during 
the last year of the war He then sailed again to the East 
Indies in the ' Liverpool,' Captain Collier, in which ship he 
had the rating of mate. She was employed for five months 
on the Isle of Erance station, during which time her boats 
captured five slave-vessels. Mr. Tucker was constantly in 
command of a boat, and was sometimes absent from the ship 
for six weeks at a time. His exertions on this service were 
most conspicuous. At the attack on Bas-ool-Khyma, in the 
Persian Gulf, in which the ' Liverpool' subsequently assisted, 
he commanded one of the gun-boats, and nearly lost his life. 
He was ashore when a night attack was made on the camp, 
and two midshipmen were creased close to him. The sick- 
ness caused by the weather during this expedition, when the 
thermometer stood at 108° in the night, was a formidable 
addition to the other dangers of the service. After twelve 
years of active service, Mr. Tucker was promoted to the 
rank of lieutenant, and served successively in the ' Pylades,' 
the ' Atholl,' and the ' Maidstone.' "While on the coast of 
Africa, in command of the ' Maidstone's ' tender, the ' Hope,' 
a schooner of 140 tons, armed with a long traversing 
12-pounder, and four 18-pounder guns, and manned with 
32 officers and men, including eight native Africans, he fell 
in with the ' Prince of Gruinea ' slaver on the 5th August, 



MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM TUCKEE, K.N. 411 

1826. She was a brig of 280 American tons, pierced for 
16 guns, but having only 9 mounted, viz., a long traversing 
24-pounder, four long 9-pounders, two long 6-pounders, and 
two swivels, and manned with 72 men. After a chase of 
28 hours, and upwards of two hours' hard fighting, Lieut. 
Tucker having three out of his five guns disabled by the 
heavy fire of the brig, resolved on boarding her, but being 
prevented from leading the boarders by a very severe wound 
in the right foot, received at the commencement of the 
action, he notwithstanding continued throughout to fight 
the traversing gun. They were led in the most gallant 
manner by Mr. E. N". Pengelly, Admiralty mate of the 
' Maidstone,' and they succeeded in obtaining a footing on the 
vessel's deck, and, after a fight of several minutes, in getting 
possession of her. She had but recently sailed from 
Whydah with 578 slaves on board. Captain Tucker's 
commanding commission was sent out the moment the 
news of the gallant capture arrived at the Admiralty. A 
handsome watch presented to him by Commodore Bullen, 
bears in its inscription that he had while in the * Maidstone' 
" liberated 1,003 fellow-creatures from the bonds of slavery." 
In 1837 Captain Tucker was appointed Inspecting Com- 
mander in the Coast G-uard service, and afterwards to the 
y Wolverine ' sloop, then at Malta, but destined for the slave 
coast ; with this vessel he captured 14 slavers, and also de- 
stroyed the slave -factories at Corisco. His complete 
knowledge of the coast, and of the habits of the slavers, 
enabled him not only to terminate but to anticipate the 
horrors of the slave-ship, and to turn all his energies with 
success to the task of capturing the pirates before they got 
into the ports where they were to take in their cargoes. 
When the West Coast station was separated from that of 
the Cape of Good Hope, Captain Tucker, having then suc- 
ceeded to the command of the ' Iris ' frigate, and having been 
made Post Captain (Oct. 26th, 1840) became the senior 
officer, and continued the same career most successfully, 
making upwards of 20 more captures. His health, however, 



412 LOSS OF H.M.S. ' AVENGER.' 

gave way, which obliged him to return to England. He 
took his passage from the Cape of Gk>od Hope in the 
' Reliance ' East Indiaman, which was wrecked on the 12th 
November, 1842, in a dreadful storm off Boulogne, and he 
was lost almost in sight of his native land. The last seen of 
him was on the poop-deck until it was broken up by the 
fall of the mizen-mast, supporting in his arms a young mid- 
shipman of the name of Eord, whose leg had been broken by 
the fall of the main-mast. Those who survived saved them- 
selves by swimming. Captain Tucker was himself an excel- 
lent swimmer, and had twice jumped overboard to save the 
lives of others. It seems probable, and in perfect accordance 
with his character, that he lost his life in attempting to save 
his wounded companion, and the composure thus evinced in 
remembering the duties of humanity when death is close at 
hand, has at least as much of merit as the courage shown 
before an enemy. 

LOSS OF H.M.S. ' AVENGER.' 

The i Avenger,' Captain Napier, was a fine, fully-equipped 
steam-frigate of 1,500 tons, with a splendid ship's company, 
and had been much distinguished in the evolutions of the 
experimental squadron in 1847. She left Gibraltar for Malta 
on the 17th December, 1847, having on board 270 persons, in- 
cluding crew and supernumeraries ; and about 10 o'clock on 
the evening of the 20th, while the captain and master were 
in the act of consulting the charts, she struck on one of the 
Sorelle rocks, two dangerous subaqueous mountain peaks, 
lying about a mile apart, opposite to the islets on the coast 
of Barbary, called the Eratelli, and about 12 miles and a 
quarter, "W.S.W. of the uninhabited island of Gralita. 

The least water on the eastern peak is three feet and 
a quarter ; and on the other, which is exactly on the same 
line of bearing from Gralita, there are from three to five 
fathoms. Between the two is a channel of 30 fathoms, and 
at a little distance around, not less than 100. In some 



MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN NAPIER. 413 

winds they may be perceived five or six miles off by the 
breakers ; but in fine weather it is difficult to see them, even 
when pretty close. The rest of the channel between Gralita 
and the Barbary shore is everywhere clear from danger; but 
it is remarkable that, within the island, the current sets to 
the westward, and without it to the eastward, unless in 
gales of continuance. 

Two boats were lowered directly the ship struck, one 
containing Lieut. Francis Eooke, the surgeon, the second- 
master, Mr. Betts, the gunner, Mr. Larcom, and four sea- 
men ; but they were at once carried away from the ship, 
which they saw thrown upon her beam-ends an utter wreck, 
the sea making a clean breach over her. The boat lay some 
time off the spot to save the lives of any who might seek 
safety, and then steered for the coast of Africa, which she 
reached at Bizerta, but was swamped in the attempt to land, 
only five persons, Lieut. Eooke, Mr. Larcom, William Hill, 
and James Morley (boy), gaining the shore. By the aid of 
some friendly Arabs, they were enabled to reach Tunis ; and 
the French authorities there lost no time in sending off the 
'Lavoisier,' war-steamer, to rescue any of the crew that 
might be still alive. Meeting with the Peninsular and 
Oriental Company's steam-ship, the ' Pasha,' the two re- 
paired in company to the scene of the disaster ; but found 
only some small portions of wreck floating about, four per- 
sons only being the survivors of 270 gallant men, who formed 
the complement. The deepest and most universal sorrow was 
felt for this fatal catastrophe, and a large subscription made 
for the support of the families of those who perished, to 
which the navy contributed largely. 

MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN NAPIER. 

GrEOKGE Chaeles Eleks JSTapiee, second son of Lieut. Elers, 
E.N., was born 22nd May, 1812. In 1815, Captain, now 
Eear-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, married the widow of 
Lieut. Elers, and adopted the boy, who, at the age of 12 years, 



414 MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN NAPIER. 

entered the navy -under the anspices of his step-father. His 
first ship was the ' Granges,' on the South American station ; 
afterwards, he served as mate in the ' Galatea,' under the 
command of his step-father, and subsequently was appointed 
to the ' Excellent,' where he remained engaged in the study 
of gunnery after his promotion to the rank of lieutenant in 
1832. On Sir Charles Napier succeeding Admiral Sartorius 
in the command of the Portuguese fleet, during the war of 
succession in that "country, his step-son joined him, and acted 
with the rank of captain, as his aide-de-camp, on the day of 
the capture of Don Miguel's squadron, contributing not a 
little, by the brilliant valour he displayed, to the success of 
the day. Admiral Napier hoisted his flag on board a small 
frigate called the ' E-ainha,' and sweeping under the stem of 
a gigantic Miguelite line-of-battle-ship of the same name, 
ran through a tremendous fire alongside of her. The ships 
were lashed with the mainsheet, and Commodore Wilkinson 
and Captain Charles Napier, heading the boarders, passed 
from the bower anchor to the enemy's bulwark, driving the 
men across the forecastle along the larboard gangway. At 
this critical moment, the ships yawing asunder, Captain 
Napier was left alone and unsupported on the enemy's deck. 
Here he held his ground till his sword becoming entangled 
between the ramrod and barrel of an enemy's musket, was 
suddenly wrenched from his grasp, and as he grappled with 
his nearest opponent, both fell over a gun, and were borne 
down on the slippery deck. Just then, Admiral Napier, 
boarding in person, with another party, rescued him from 
death, took possession of the ' Eainha,' and thus decided the 
fate of the day. 

This was the first time Captain Charles Napier had ever 
been under fire, and of the 14 sabre and bayonet wounds 
then received, he retained many of the scars through his life. 
He was carried back to his own ship in an insensible state ; 
but the next day, notwithstanding his sufferings, he wrote to 
relieve his mother's anxiety with assurances of his safety. 
On recovering from his wounds, he was placed in command 



WRECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR'S BOAT. 415 

of the ' Eliza,' a fine corvette, and was invested with the 
Order of the Tower and Sword. 

Shortly after the termination of the war by the establish- 
ment of Donna Maria on the throne of Portugal, he was ap- 
pointed, as lieutenant, to H.M.S. ' Vernon/ on the Mediter- 
ranean station. In 1838 he was promoted to the rank of 
commander, and appointed to command the ' Pelican,' in 
which he had his full share of service during the war in 
China. Being posted before its conclusion, and consequently 
superseded in his command, Captain Napier joined the land- 
forces as a volunteer, and subsequently acted as aide-de- 
camp to Sir "William Parker, in which capacity, ever fore- 
most in danger, he scaled the walls of Ching-kang-foo, at 
the storming of that place. On his return from China he 
applied himself to the study of steam, and was offered the 
command of a fine steam-frigate, which he declined, that he 
might devote himself to the comfort of his mother, proving 
in many ways that the zeal and courage which he evinced in 
his profession were fully equalled by the kindlier features of 
his character. 

He had joined the ' Avenger ' only one month before the 
close of his brief and gallant career when she was lost. 

WRECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR'S BOAT, CHINA, 

1841. 

While H.M.S. ' Conway ' was lying off Whampoa, a party, 
consisting of Lieut. Beadon, Mr. Smith, assistant-surgeon, 
Mr. Turnour, midshipman, and 14 men, left her in a large 
boat, and proceeded to Macao, where they stayed a few 
days, and left that place to return to the ' Conway ' about 
noon on Easter Monday. A fine breeze carried them safely 
over half their distance, when, it being too dark to see the 
numerous fishing-stakes laid down at the mouth of the river, 
or to discover any of the landmarks, they cast anchor about 
midnight. At 1 o'clock a.m., on the 30th April, Lieut. 
Beadon, feeling the boat ride uneasily, gave orders for the 



416 WEECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR'S BOAT. 

cable to be cut ; but before even this could be done, a beavy 
squall took her, and sbe filled bead foremost, becoming in- 
stantly a wreck. Tbe miserable crew bung on till daylight, 
in spite of a terrific tempest, accompanied by violent tbunder 
and ligbtning. Several junks passed and avoided them 
(wbicb, perbaps, is not surprising) ; but to tbeir sbame be 
it spoken, an European boat, belonging to Macao, passed tbe 
bapless group witb equal apatby. At lengtb, after being 
wasbed about for some bours on rafts, wbicb Lieut. Beadon, 
almost single-banded, bad constructed (for, witb the excep- 
tion of a man and a boy, tbe crew were too panic-stricken 
to render mucb assistance in lashing them together), they 
descried a Chinese fishing-junk, containing one old man. 
Lieut. Beadon forbade any whining supplication, but ordered 
the men to give three good hearty English cheers. The 
good old fisherman waved his band, and instantly bore down 
to their assistance, picked up their scattered and exhausted 
party, and gave them food and covering. Lieut. Beadon 
offered him 40 dollars to take them to H.M.S. ' Wellesley,' 
that being the nearest. He did so, carefully concealing 
them from his own countrymen. They sustained the loss of 
one man, a carpenter, named Shronshire : he was washed off 
the deck when too much exhausted to retain his hold, and 
sank to rise no more. Lieut. Beadon endeavoured, during 
14 hours of awful and appalling danger, to stimulate the 
crew to exertion, telling them that it was a mockery to Grod 
to give themselves up to prayer, without at the same time 
using the bodily powers and mental faculties He had given 
them for the preservation of their lives ; but immediately 
they were on board the junk he addressed the men upon the 
awful warning they had just received of the "uncertainty of 
life, exhorting them to make that the era of a new life by 
the help of Grod ; and, lamenting his own unfitness to offer 
up a prayer of thanksgiving, earnestly implored each to offer 
up one in his own heart. Upon their arrival on board 
H.M.S. ' "VYellesley,' they Were warmly welcomed by Captain 
Maitland and bis officers. The former immediately ordered 



WRECK OF A MAN-OF-WAR'S BOAT. 417 

80 dollars of tlie public money to be paid to the old China- 
man, in addition to the 40 Lieut. Beadon had promised from 
his own private purse. Lieut. Beadon was promoted soon 
after to the rank of commander. 



WRECK OF A BOAT OF H.M.S. ' GANGES ' — DEATH OF 
LIEUT. BREEN, MEDITERRANEAN, 

1850. 

As one of the boats of H.M.S. ' Ganges,' forming part of 
the British fleet in the Piraeus, with Lieut. Breen, Mr. 
Chatfield, midshipman, and 16 men, was returning from the 
shore, laden with water, she was swamped and turned over 
just half way between the ' Queen ' and the east point of 
the Island of Lypso. 

Mr. Breen, Mr. Chatfield, and most of the men, imme- 
diately struck out for the island, and reached it. The gale 
increased, and the cold became so intense that their clothes 
were frozen stiff upon them. In the morning they could 
see the fleet, but were unable to catch attention by signals. 
One of the men suffered so much from the cold, that Lieut. 
Breen generously stripped off his coat and put it on him. 
As the day closed, most of the men retired into a cave ; but 
Mr. Breen separated himself from the others and was no 
more seen. On board the ' Granges ' it was thought that 
they had not put off from shore; but next night it was 
known that they had set out and a boat was sent to search. 
As it was passing by Lypso at dawn on the third day, the 
wrecked boat was accidentally descried on the beach. Mr. 
Chatfield and half-a-dozen men were found in the cave in a 
torpid state ; Mr. Breen was found dead, crouched under a 
bush ; and ten seamen were missing. There is little doubt 
that poor Mr. Breen lost his life from his generous act in 
favour of the suffering seaman. The survivors found in the 
cave all recovered. 



2b 



( 418 ) 



JTOKTH POLAE EXPEDITIONS. 

Since the early part of the sixteenth century, attempts have 
been frequently made to reach the Pacific through a passage 
round the northern shore of America, nor had the desire of 
the British nation to accomplish the object ceased when 
Her Majeaty came to the throne. In the year 1836, Sir 
George Back, having just returned from a land-exploring 
expedition on the northern shore of the American continent, 
undertook a voyage up Hudson's Straits in the ' Terror.' 
The winter commencing early with great rigour, the ship 
was frozen in ; and on the ice again breaking up, was driven 
about for some months, amid masses of ice grinding her sides 
and frequently threatening to overwhelm her. Eor three 
days she was thrown on her beam-ends, when her destruction 
appeared inevitable ; but she happily righted, and ultimately 
returned home, though in a desperately shattered con- 
dition. Two officers of the Hudson's Bay Company, Messrs. 
Hease and Simpson, about the same time explored a portion 
of the Arctic shores of the American continent left un- 
discovered by Captains Eranklin and Back. It was not, 
however, till the year 1845 that any further expedition for 
Arctic discovery was undertaken by the British Grovernment. 
The command of the one then planned was sought for and 
obtained by Sir John Eranklin, and certainly no subject has 
so long and so painfully excited the interest of the nation 
as the fate of him and his gallant companions. When we 
contemplate the terrific dangers to which they have been ex- 
posed, we may well fear the worst ; but when we think of the 
talent, the courage, the fortitude, and the perseverance they 
possess among them, hope still rises above our fears, and we 
trust, not without reason, that through the protecting hand 
of Providence, they may have surmounted the perils which 
have surrounded them, and may yet be restored to their 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 419 

country and their friends. Nowhere can all the noble 
qualities which adorn the British seaman be more fully 
called forth than during a voyage in the Arctic seas, and 
the detention to which he is subject for years together on 
its ice-bound shores. From the first entering these regions 
dangers beset him. Suddenly he finds his vessel among 
immense fields of floating ice, through which he can with 
difficulty find a passage or escape shipwreck. Then in the 
darkness of night, icebergs of vast height are seen close 
aboard towering above his mast-head, the sea dashing with 
fury round their bases, from which, should he not scrape 
clear, his destruction is certain. Sometimes, to prevent his 
vessel being drifted on icebergs, or the rocky shore, or fields 
of ice, to leeward, he secures her on the leeside of some 
large berg. The base of the mass beneath the water is 
continually melting ; and while he fancies himself secure, it 
decreases so much as to lose its balance, and its lofty 
summit bending down it may overwhelm him in its ruins. 
Then, again, large masses become detached from its base, 
and rising up violently from far down in the sea, strike the 
bottom of the vessel with terrific force, capable of driving in 
her planks and breaking her stout timbers. Often, also, he 
has to saw his way through sheets of ice, cutting out canals 
with untiring perseverance to gain a piece of clear water 
beyond. Sometimes his vessel is so tightly frozen within a 
field of ice that he has no power to extricate her ; then the 
field, urged by the tides or wind, moves on at a rapid rate 
for hundreds of miles, till it encounters some other field or 
a projecting shore. Now commences a scene of horror 
which may well make the stoutest heart tremble. The field 
breaks into thousands of fragments, huge masses of many 
hundred tons weight, and larger than his ship, are thrown up, 
one on the other, rising almost as if they had life, till they 
tower far above the sides of his vessel, and appear ready 
every instant to crush her, as she lies helplessly among this 
icy mass of a seeming ruined world. Sometimes a huge 
lump, bigger than the ship herself, becomes attached to her 

2e2 



420 XOETH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

bottom, and as the mass around her melts, it rises to the 
surface, and throws her on her beam-ends. Sometimes, as 
she is sailing in an open space, two fields suddenly close in 
on her. If he has time to cut a dock in the field nearest 
him, or finds a bay ready formed, she may escape ; if not, 
when the fields meet, her stout ribs are crushed in as if 
they were of wax, and he is fortunate if he escapes to the 
ice with some of his boats and a few provisions and clothes 
before his vessel disappears, to encounter a voyage without 
shelter in that frigid region, till he falls in with some whale- 
ship, or can gain its inhospitable shores. But suppose he 
escapes the dangers of the sea I have described, and many 
others, and takes shelter for the winter in some bay or gulf 
where, icebound, he must remain during the winter without 
any communication with the rest of his fellow-creatures 
besides those who form his own adventurous band. The 
sun sinks below the horizon, and is not seen again for months 
together ; darkness is around him, and one dreary mass of 
snow covers the face of nature. The intense cold prevents 
him often from venturing from beyond the shelter with 
which he has surrounded his vessel, or if he is tempted to 
do so, frost-bites may attack his hands and his feet and 
deprive him of their use. Sometimes the Arctic explorer 
has had to journey for weeks together across the barren 
waste of ice or snow-covered ground, dragging his sledge 
after him, and sleeping night after night under the thin roof 
of a canvas tent ; and as summer draws on, often wet through 
from the melting snow without an opportunity of drying his 
clothes. Seldom has he an abundance, and often he suffers 
from a scarcity of provisions, while, if his strength fails him 
from illness or injury, he can scarcely hope to regain his 
ship alive. Notwithstanding the dangers and hardships I 
have mentioned, and many others to which the Arctic 
explorer is exposed, as soon as it was known that another 
Polar expedition was in contemplation, and that Sir John 
Franklin would probably command it, numbers of volun- 
teers crowded forward to obtain appointments under him. 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 421 

Among them was the gallant Fitzjanies, whose name has 
been so often mentioned in these pages as being actively 
engaged wherever work was to be done ; the talented and 
persevering Captain Crozier, who had bnt lately returned 
from a long and hazardous voyage of discovery ; Harry 
Goodsir, an enterprising surgeon, whose brother has shown 
his fraternal affection by undertaking a voyage in a whaler 
in hopes of meeting with the expedition ;,also Lieut. Gore, 
who had before braved the most terrific dangers of a Polar 
voyage on board the ' Terror,' in the last expedition under 
Captain Back, and who was likewise with Ross in the 
Antarctic expedition ; and there was also Lieut. Fairholme, 
who was in the Niger expedition, when he encountered 
dangers undaunted, scarcely inferior to those to be met with 
in the icy seas. Then I must mention John Irving. He 
had quitted the service and settled in Australia. He had 
once gone down to Sydney to sell his wool, when he found 
a ship-of-war in the harbour. He went on board — a number 
of old shipmates greeted him. He was then a mate — a 
vacancy existed in the ship. He got appointed to fill it, 
and directing a brother, who was also in the colony, to take 
care of his property, he sailed at once for England, scarcely 
again setting foot on shore; and on his arrival, receiving his 
commission as lieutenant, he joined the Polar expedition. 

The following is a list of the officers who were finally ap- 
pointed to the expedition : — 



Captain Sir John Franklin, K.C.H. ; Commander James 
Fitzjames ; Lieuts. Graham Gore, Henry T. Le Yesconte, 
James William Pairholme ; Mates, Charles T. des Vaux, 
Robert 0' Sargent ; Second Master, Henry P. Collins ; 
Surgeon, Stephen Stanley ; Assistant Surgeon, Harry D. S. 
O-oodsir ; Paymaster and Purser, Charles H. Osmer ; IN raster. 
James Eeid, acting; 58 Petty Officers, Seamen, &c. Pull 
complement, 70. 



422 NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

' TERKOR.' 

Captain Francis E. M. Crozier ; Lieut s. Edward Little, 
George H. Hodgson, John Irving; Mates, Frederick J. 
Hornby, Eobert Thomas; Ice-master, T. Blakey, acting; 
Second Master, Gk A. Maclean ; Surgeon, John S. Peddie ; 
Assistant Surgeon, Alexander M'Donald ; Clerk in Charge, 
Edwin Gr. H. Helpman; 57 Petty Officers, Seamen, &c. 
Pull complement, 68 ; making in all 138 souls. 

The expedition sailed from England May the 26th, 1845. 
They arrived at the "Whale-fish Islands, a group to the south 
of Disco, on the 4th of July. On the 26th they were seen 
moored to an iceberg, in 74° 48' north latitude, and 66° 13' 
west longitude, by a Hull whaler, the ' Prince of "Wales,' 
Captain Dannet. The ships had then on board provisions 
for three years, on full allowance, or even four, with the 
assistance of such game as they might expect to obtain. 
Every one on board had resolved to persevere to the utmost 
in pushing their way through any channel which might offer 
a prospect of success towards the west ; but the letters of 
Captain Pitzjames especially seem to point clearly to Wel- 
lington Channel as the passage they would most probably 
first attempt. JSTo news of the expedition having reached 
England up to the year 1847, some slight apprehensions 
began to be felt, though the general hope was that Sir John 
had pushed on perhaps into the Polar basin, and might make 
his appearance by way of Behring's Straits. However, it 
was thought right, in 1848, to despatch another expedition to 
search for the missing ships. Two vessels were commissioned 
for that purpose, and placed under the command of Sir 
James Ross, an officer who has been nearer the northern and 
southern poles than any other human being. The ships 
were not ready for sea till the 12th of June. They were 
fitted to contend with the dangers of the Polar seas in a way 
no former ships had been, and every means that could be 
devised for the comfort and convenience of their crews were 
liberally supplied ; while the officers and men were influenced 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 423 

by an earnest zeal to discover their missing countrymen, and 
to rescue them from the forlorn condition in which it was too 
probable they were placed. Such have been the motives 
which have induced, year after year, numbers of other gallant 
officers and men to volunteer their services to encounter 
the terrific dangers and hardships of a Polar voyage to search 
for Sir John Franklin and his brave followers. But while I 
am mentioning the brave and bold spirits who are eager to 
rush into danger, and to undergo toil and suffering for that 
object, I cannot omit to speak of one, a sailor's daughter and 
a sailor's niece, who has proved herself indeed a heroine — 
a true chip of the old block. Most people have heard of the 
noble efforts and sacrifices Lady Franklin has made to 
despatch expedition after expedition in search of her gallant 
husband, and all honour be her due ; though few can under- 
stand but those who have the happiness of knowing her, the 
untiring zeal, the deep earnest devotion of his affectionate 
niece. How she has laboured on, month after month and 
year after year, with talents, mind, and endurance, unsur- 
passed by any man ; sitting up night after night to write 
letters to all parts of the world, and spending day after day 
in receiving visits from officers anxious to form part of some 
expedition, and in examining every variety of invention, 
plan, and proposal. No words of mine can do adequate 
justice to the lady of whom I write. All honour be to Miss 
Sophia Cracroft ; she is iDdeed a true daughter of old ocean, 
and worthy to be loved and reverenced by all who love and 
respect the British Navy, and admire the gallant spirit which 
imbues it. 

But to return to our narrative. My space will not allow me 
to give more than a very brief sketch of the several search- 
ing expeditions which have been sent out, and the names of 
the ships and officers composing them. 

The first, then, was that under Captain Sir J. Boss, con- 
sisting of — 

' enterprise,' 540 tons. 

Captain Sir James C. Boss; Lieuts., B. J. L. M'Cliuv, 
F. L. M'Clintock, and "W. H. J. Browne ; Master, W, S. 



424 NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

Couldery (acting) ; Surgeon, "W. Bobertson (acting) ; As- 
sistant-Surgeon, H. Matthias ; Second- Master, S. Court ; 
Clerk, Edward "Whitehead ; total complement, 68. 

1 INTESTIGATOK,' 480 tons. 

Captain E. J. Eird ; Lieuts. M. G. H. W. Boss, Eredk. 
Bobinson, and J. J. Earnard; Master, W. Tatham; 
Surgeon, Bobert Anderson ; Mates, L. John Moore and S. 
Gr. Cresswell ; Second Master, John H. Allard ; Assistant- 
Surgeon, E. Adams ; Clerk in Charge, J. D. Gilpin. Total 
complement, 67. 

The expedition left England on the 12th of June, 1848, 
and reached Barrow's Straits by the end of August. Sir 
James Boss then endeavoured to find a passage through 
"Wellington Channel; but it was so completely blocked up 
with ice that he was compelled to give up the attempt that 
year as hopeless. The ice closing in on the ships at an un- 
usually early period, after running great risk of being crushed, 
Sir James took refuge in Leopold Harbour for the winter. 
Hence several expeditions were sent out on foot. Sir James 
Boss and Lieut. M'Clintock set out in May, with sledges, 
each accompanied by six men, and explored the whole of the 
north and west coasts of North Somerset ; and being absent 
thirty-nine days, returned to the ships on the 23rd of June. 
Meantime Lieut. Barnard started for the northern shore of 
Barrow's Straits, crossing the ice to Cape Hind. Lieut. 
Browne visited the eastern shore of Begent Inlet, and Lieut. 
Eobinson the western shore, and reached several miles to 
the southward of Eury Beach. No traces were discovered, 
however, of Sir John Eranklin, but every device that could 
be thought of was employed to let his party know of the 
position of the ships. At Eury Beach, Lieut. Eobinson dis- 
covered Sir John Boss's house, and much of the provisions 
left there by the ' Eury' in 1827 still remaining, and in excel- 
lent condition. On the 28th of August, the vessels quitted 
Leopold Harbour, where, at Whaler Point, a large supply of 
provisions, fuel, and a steam-launch were left, in the hopes 
that some of Sir John's party might visit the place. Again, 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 425 

from the 1st to the 25tli of September, the vessels were so 
closely beset with ice, that it was feared they might be com- 
pelled to spend another winter in those regions, if they 
escaped being crushed to fragments. Happily they got clear 
after drifting into Baffin's Bay, and reached England in 
November. 

The ' North Star,' an old 26-gun frigate of 500 tons, had 
in the meantime, in the spring of 1849, been despatched 
with provisions for Sir James Boss, under command of Mr. 
J. Saunders. Having got blocked in by the ice for sixty-two 
days, she was compelled to winter in Wolstenholme Sound, 
on the western coast of Greenland. 

Immediately on the return of the ' Enterprise ' and ' In- 
vestigator/ they were recommissioned and placed under the 
command of Captain B. Collinson, with directions to proceed 
to Behring's Straits to resume the search in that direction. 
H.M.S. ' Plover,' Commander Moore, was already there, 
employed in surveying the north-western coasts of the 
American continent. 

The following were the officers appointed to them : — 

' ENTEBPRISE.' 

Captain B. Collinson ; Lieuts. G-. A. Phayre, J. J. 
Barnard, and C. T. Jago ; Master, B. T. Gr. Legg ; Second 
Master, Erancis Skead ; Mate, M. T: Parks ; Surgeon, 
Bobert Anderson ; Assistant-surgeon, Edward Adams ; 
Clerk in Charge Edward Whitehead. Total complement, 66. 

' USTESTIGATOE.' 

Commander B. J. M'Chire ; Lieuts. "W. H. Haswell and 
S. G. CressweU; Mates, H. H. Saintsbury and B, J. 
Wyniatt ; Second Master, Stephen Court ; Surgeon, Alex- 
ander Armstrong, M.D. ; Assistant-Surgeon, Henry Piers ; 
Clerk in Charge, Joseph C. Paine. Total complement, GQ. 

Mr. Miertsching, a Moravian missionary, who had spent 
five years on the coast of Labrador, was appointed to the 



426 NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

' Enterprise,' as interpreter. The vessels sailed from 
Plymouth on the 20th of January, 1850, and reached the 
Sandwich Islands on the 29th of June. Meantime the 
' Herald,' Captain Kellett, had been ordered up from Oahu 
to Behring's Straits, to assist in the search. At Petro- 
paulski she met the Boyal Thames Yacht Club schooner, 
' Mary Dawson,' owned by Mr. Shedden, who had come 
along the Chinese coast to Behring's Straits, also in search of 
Sir John Franklin. After exploring for some time in com- 
pany, they were compelled by the ice to leave the Straits, 
but the ' Plover ' wintered there, while Lieut. Pullen led a 
boat expedition of a most arduous nature along the northern 
shores of America, towards the Hudson's Bay establishment 
on the Mackenzie river. Sir John Richardson also led a land 
party from the South to the Polar Seas, but was compelled 
to return without discovering any trace of the expedition. 

In 1846, also, the Hudson's Bay Company sent out an 
expedition, commanded by Dr. John Rae, to survey the 
unexplored portion of the American continent, between the 
further point reached by Dease and Simpson and the strait 
of the Fury and Hecla. However, the expeditions which 
have created the greatest interest are those which have 
been despatched during and since the year 1850. 

The first consisted of H.M.S. ' Besolute ' and t Assistance,' 
with the screw-steamers ' Pioneer' and ' Intrepid,' as tenders, 
under the command of Captain Horatio T. Austin. 

His chief aim was to visit Melville Island, and to explore 
the shores of Wellington Channel, and the coast about Cape 
"Walker. The ships were provisioned for three years, and a 
transport completed their supply at Whalefish Islands. 

The following of the many officers who volunteered were 
appointed to the expedition : — 

' EESOLTTTE.' 

Captain Horatio T. Austin, C.B. ; Lieutenants, E. D. 
Aldrich and "W. H. J. Browne ; Mates, B. B. Pearse and 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 427 

W. M. May ; Purser, J. E. Brooman ; Surgeon, A. B. 
Bradford ; Assistant-surgeon, Bichard King ; Midshipmen, 
C. Bullock and J. P. Cheyne ; Second-master, Gr. P. 
M'Dougall. Total complement, 60 men. 

' ASSISTANCE.' 

Captain E. Ommaney ; Lieutenants, J. E. Elliot, P. L. 
M'Clintock, and Gr. P. Mecham ; Surgeon, J. S. L. Donnett ; 
Assistant-surgeon J. Ward ; Mates, B. V. Hamilton and 
J. B. Keane ; Clerk in Charge, E. N. Harrison ; Second- 
master, "W. B. Shellabear; Midshipman C. B. Markham. 
Total complement, 60 men. 

1 pioneer ' (Screw-steamer) . 

Lieutenant commanding, Sherard Osborn ; Second-master, 
J. H. Allard ; Assistant-surgeon, P. B. Picthorn ; with a 
crew of 30 men. 

' intrepid ' (Screw-steamer). 
Lieutenant commanding, B. Cator ; with a crew of 30 



~No expedition ever left England with a greater prospect 
of success — every one engaged in it being enthusiastically 
resolved to use every exertion to advance the noble cause in 
which they were engaged. 

The ships were commissioned on the 28th of Pebruary, 
1850, and left England the 3rd of May. On the 16th of 
June, they arrived at the Whalefish Island, where they 
received the remainder of their supply of provisions from 
the transport. 

At the same time that Captain Austin's expedition was 
fitting out, another was arranged and placed under the com- 
mand of Mr. William Penny, an experienced whaling 
captain of Dundee, to act in concert with it. Mr. Penny, 
by the directions of the Admiralty, proceeded to Aberdeen 



428 -NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

and Dundee, where he purchased two new clipper-built 
vessels, which were named the 'Lady Franklin ' and 
' Sophia,' the first in compliment to Sir John's devoted 
wife, the latter to his admirable niece. These vessels were 
placed under Mr. Penny's command, with separate instruc- 
tions direct from the Admiralty. The ships showed during 
the voyage the good judgment employed by Mr. Penny in 
their selection, and the men acquitted themselves throughout 
the enterprise in a way not to justify any contempt on the 
part of their associates in the ships-of-war. Mr. Penny has 
been employed in the Arctic Seas since he was 12 years old, 
and has commanded a whaling-ship for 16 years. 

The ships left Aberdeen on the 13th of April, but did not 
fall in with Captain Austin's squadron till the 28th of June, 
off Berry Island, on the west coast of Greenland. 

About the same time that the above-named ships left 
England, three other expeditions were despatched. One 
in the ' Prince Albert,' under Commander Forsyth, chiefly 
at Lady Franklin's expense. She had a crew of 20 men. 
Her mates were W. Kay and W. "Wilson, and Mr. ~W. P. 
Snow acted as clerk. She sailed from Aberdeen on the 5th 
of June, and was thus the last vessel which left England 
that year. Another in the ' Pelix ' yacht, with a tender, the 
' Mary,' under the veteran Captain Sir John Poss, at his 
own charge. The Americans, likewise, showed a generous 
sympathy in the fate of the missing expedition, and sent out 
one to aid in the search, under Lieut. De Haven, in the 
U.S. brig ' Advance,' and the U.S. vessel ' Rescue,' com- 
manded by Mr. S. P. Griffin. 

These various expeditions were to examine the different 
channels up which it was supposed Sir John Prank! in might 
have endeavoured to work his way. The result of their 
examinations has proved beyond almost all doubt that he 
proceeded up Wellington Channel. 

"Without following the ships step by step through their 
laborious progress across Baffin's Bay, down Lancaster 
Sound, and Barrow's Straits, we will carry them at once to 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 429 

Beechey Island, which lies at the south-eastern extremity of 
Wellington Channel, just at its entrance into Barrow's 
Straits. Here, on the 27th of August, Mr. Penny dis- 
covered undoubted traces of Sir John Franklin. Here, 
accordingly, the ships assembled to prosecute the examina- 
tion. Dr. Sutherland, who went out in the ' Lady Franklin,' 
gives the following account of the interesting event : — 

" Traces," he observes, " were found to a great extent, 
of the missing ships ; tin-cannisters in hundreds, pieces of 
cloth, rope, wood — in large fragments and in chips ; iron in 
numerous fragments, where the anvil had stood, and the 
block which supported it ; paper, both written and printed, 
with the dates 1844 and 1845 ; sledge-marks in abundance, 
depressions in the gravel, resembling wells which they had 
been digging, and the graves of three men who had died 
on board the missing ships in January and April, 1846. 
One of the shore party was despatched with this intelligence 
to Mr. Penny, who immediately came on shore, accompanied 
by Sir John Boss, Commander Phillips, of the ' Felix,' Sir 
John's vessel; Commander De Haven and Lieut. Griffiths, 
of the American expedition, which had joined our ships in 
Barrow's Straits, and other officers. These were unequivocal 
proofs that the missing ships had spent their first winter in 
the immediate vicinity ofBeechey Island. A finger-post was 
picked up, which we at once supposed had been made use of 
to direct parties to the ships during winter, if they should 
happen to have lost their way in a snow-storm. Captain 
Parry adopted the same precautions around his winter- 
quarters at Melville Island ; and it is not improbable some 
of the posts may be found after a lapse of 30 years. Our 
ideas were that the ships had wintered in a deep bay between 
Beechey Island and Cape Riley, which we called Erebus and 
Terror Bay. 

" Immediately adjacent to the supposed position of the 
ships, we found the site of a large storehouse and workshop, 
and smaller sites which were supposed to have been obser- 



430 NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

vatories and other temporary erections. Meat-tins to the 
amount of 600 or 700, and a great number of coal-bags, one 
of which was marked ' T-e-r-r-o-r/ were found. But there 
were no papers found anywhere that had been left by the missing 
ships." 

This station, in the opinion of Captain Penny, was occu- 
pied by Sir John Franklin's party until the 3rd of April, 
1846, if not longer, as a look-out up Wellington Channel to 
watch the first opening of that icy barrier which so fre- 
quently seems to block it up. 

Other still more interesting vestages of the expedition 
were three graves, with neatly carved oaken head-boards, and 
the following epitaphs : — 

Sacred to the 

Memory of John Hartxell, A.B., of H. M. S. 

' Erebus/ 

Died January 4, 1846, 

Aged 25 Years. 

Haggai, chap. i. verse 1, 

" Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, 

Consider your ways." 

Sacred to the 
Memory of W. Braine, R.M., of H. M. S. 

' Erebus,' 

Died April 3, 1846, 

Aged 32 Years. 

" Choose you this day whom you 

will serve/' 

Joshua, chap. xxiv. Terse 15. 

Sacred to the 

Memory of John Torrington, 

Who departed this Life, January 1st, a. d. 1846, 

On board of H. M. S. 

' Terror/ 

Aged 20 Years. 

No record, however, was left to show in what direction 






NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 431 

the bold explorers had proceeded. "With deep regret, there- 
fore, that no further information could be gained, the various 
vessels proceeded on the search. Captain Forsyth had, 
however, before this returned in the ' Prince Albert ' to 
England, with news of an interesting discovery made by 
Captain Ommaney of some articles left by Sir John Franklin 
on Cape Biley. He reached Aberdeen on the 22nd of 
October, having been absent somewhat less than four 
months. 

Early the next year the 'Prince Albert' was again de- 
spatched, under the command of Mr. Kennedy, an old Arctic 
explorer, but he was unable to effect more than to prove 
where Sir John Franklin and his followers were not. 

Captain Austin's ships were constantly placed in great- 
peril as they proceeded on their voyage. " The 'Assistance' 
was hemmed in by the ice in the centre of Wellington Chan- 
nel, and was in such imminent danger of being crushed to 
pieces, that every preparation was made to desert her," 
writes an officer belonging to her. " Each person on board 
was appointed to a particular boat, provisions were got on 
deck, and every two men were allowed one bag between 
them for spare clothes, attached to lines which were passed 
through the upper deck, ready to be pulled up at any 
moment. One day the vessel was raised six feet out of the 
water by the pressure of the ice, and it became so probable 
that she would fall on her broadside, that the men were 
employed with shovels and pickaxes in smoothing a place on 
the ice for her to lie upon." Again, on the 6th a large floe 
came down upon them with great violence, and pressing the 
vessel against the land ice, lifted her several feet out of the 
water. Every one rushed on deck, with the exception of 
the carpenter, who coolly sounded the well, to ascertain the 
depth of water in the hold. For some hours the ship was 
in danger of being driven on shore ; the ice continued to 
grind and pile up round her, while all the ice-anchors were 
laid out, one of which was wrenched in two by the tremen- 



432 NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

dous strain, and thrown high np into the air. The wind, 
however, providentially changed, the ice slacked, and they 
were safe. At length, while Captain Austin's squadron were 
secured for the winter in a field of ice between Cornwallis 
and Griffiths Islands, Mr. Penny and Sir John Poss reached 
Assistance Harbour, where they wintered. A variety of 
means were taken to amuse the crews during the depth of 
winter ; and as soon as spring began exploring parties went 
out in every direction. I cannot trace the progress of the 
several parties in boats and sledges. Their persevering 
struggles serve to prove the present existence, at all events, 
if that were required, of the heroic endurance of hardships, 
the indomitable courage, the invariable cheerfulness under the 
most depressing trials, and the unconquerable ardour, in spite 
of every obstacle, characteristic of British seamen. About 
2,000 miles altogether were traversed by the different par- 
ties. Mr. Penny made every effort to ascend the Wellington 
Channel; but his success was trifling compared to his unwea- 
ried endeavours. "When his sledge was stopped by open water, 
and after incredible labours a boat was brought to the spot, 
thick-ribbed ice had collected to impede its progress. All 
the efforts of the heroic explorers were in vain. Lieut. De 
Haven's ships returned to the United States after enduring 
many hardships, and Captain Austin, Sir John Boss, and 
Mr. Penny came back to England in the autumn of 1851. 

Another year, however, was not allowed to pass before a 
further expedition was intrusted to the command of one of 
the most talented and boldest oificers in the service, Sir 
Edward Belcher. The ' Assistance ' and ' Resolute ' were 
again commissioned, and with the ' Pioneer ' and ' Intrepid,' 
screw-steamers, were placed under his orders, many of the 
officers who before accompanied Capt. Austin volunteering 
their services. 

They proceeded early in the spring for Wellington Channel, 
and when last seen, favoured by an open season, they were 
entering that mysterious inlet, with a favourable breeze, in 



NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 433 

high health and with buoyant hopes, and we have still some 
foundation for trusting that they have before this brought 
succour to our long-lost countrymen. The ' Isabel,' screw- 
steamer, was sent out to examine Smith's Sound, under the 
orders of Commander Inglefield, but he returned, as directed, 
in the autumn, and commissioned the ' Phoenix ' screw 
steam-sloop. His orders were to proceed to Beechey Island, 
with a fresh supply of provisions and other stores, which 
will be turned over to the ' North Star,' Commander Pullen, 
expected to be found stationed there, as a rendezvous for the 
vessels of Sir Edward Belcher's expedition. The ' Phoenix,' 
having accomplished that object, will proceed, at Com- 
mander Inglefield' s discretion, to Smith's and Jones's 
Sound, to follow up the discoveries he made in 1852. The 
' Lady Franklin,' sailing-tender to the ' Phoenix,' is to be 
left at the Carey Islands, or other eligible winter quarters, as 
a rendezvous for the crew of the ' Phoenix ' to fall back 
upon, in the event of any unforeseen accident to the steam- 



Mr. Kennedy again proceeded in the ' Isabel ' to perform 
an overland journey towards the Polar Basin. The Ameri- 
cans also have sent out a further expedition of a similar 
character, under Dr. Kane, who, with great energy of cha- 
racter and power of endurance, is firmly convinced that Sir 
John Franklin and his brave companions still survive. 
There is an account in existence of four Russian seamen who 
subsisted in Spitzbergen, on the produce of the country, for 
upwards of six years. They had, to begin with, only a few 
ounces of tobacco, 12 musket charges of powder and shot, 
and a small bag of flour. If this narrative be true, and there 
is no reason to doubt it, may not a body of British Blue 
Jackets, commanded by officers with the Arctic experience, 
unconquerable courage, and fertility of resource of Franklin, 
Crozier, Fitzjames, and their companions, find the means of 
existence for a far longer period in that not more barren 
region, and the way ultimately of escape? 

2p 



434 NORTH POLAR EXPEDITIONS. 

I wish that my space would have allowed me to dwell 
longer on a subject of such intense interest and of so much 
instruction; but I must conclude, with an earnest hope, that 
notwithstanding the faults and omissions, which, I fear, may 
exist in my narrative, the Navy will forgive them, in consi- 
deration of my wish to do justice to their noble service ; 
and that my countrymen will look with a favourable eye on 
the " Chips of the Old Block." 



LONDON I PRINTED BY W. CLOTHES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET. 



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